If you’re a smoker looking for an alternative to traditional cigarettes, vaping may seem like a safe and effective option. While the vapor from electronic cigarettes is less harmful to the lungs than secondhand smoke, it still exposes users to dangerous chemicals. The liquid that creates the vapor, which is called e-liquid or ejuice, contains nicotine, which is addictive, as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carcinogens such as diacetyl. These chemicals are absorbed into the body and can cause respiratory irritation. They can also lead to cancer and other serious health issues over time.
Nicotine, which is found in e-liquids, can affect the brain and body in many ways including decreasing attention span, lowering motivation and increasing anxiety levels. Vaping can also lead to addiction, as it triggers changes in the brain that increase cravings for tobacco and other harmful substances.
Long-term vaping can cause a variety of health problems, including lung damage and cardiovascular disease. It can also make existing lung diseases worse, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The vaping devices themselves can cause burns and fires and can explode, leading to injuries and property damage. There have been many cases of exploding batteries causing serious injury and death.
New vaping devices are often designed to look more like everyday products, with pastel boxes and designs that resemble hand sanitizer, lip balm or even candy. These designs are intended to appeal to young people, who may not understand the potential harms of vaping. They may not realize that the e-juice they’re using contains nicotine, which can harm the developing adolescent brain by reducing activity in areas that control learning, mood and behavior control.
In addition to nicotine, which is addictive, some e-liquids contain other harmful chemicals including VOCs, carcinogens and metals such as nickel, tin and lead. They may also contain solvents, such as acetone, which can irritate the skin and eyes. They can also cause lung injury such as scarring and narrowing of the tubes that bring air into and out of the lungs. They can also cause irritation of the mouth and throat.
Many people who start out vaping switch to smoking if they continue to use the devices. The chemicals in cigarettes are much more potent than those in e-liquids, so they’re more likely to cause illness and death.
If you’re trying to quit, it’s important to find a support network and stick with your plan. Talk to your doctor or a stop smoking adviser for help. Make a list of reasons why you want to quit and refer to it when you feel the urge to delta 8 vape pen. Distract yourself with other activities, such as chewing sugar-free gum or drinking water. Exercise can help you feel better and reduce your cravings for nicotine. Spend more time with friends who don’t smoke or vape and avoid places where others are smoking or vaping. If you’re struggling to quit, try a vaping device that only uses water vapor instead of e-liquids.