Risk of Vaping
Long-term data is limited, but here’s what we do know
- Increase risk of lung disease
- Increase risk of cardiovascular disease
- Increase risk of neuro-development disorders
Is vaping better than cigarettes?
About Vaping
The good, bad, and the ugly
Vaping has become more popular than cigarettes, especially among young adults. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Tobacco smoke remains the primary cause, but there is increasing concern that vaping and E-cigarette usage might not lessen the risk.
The rise in flavor E-cigs continues to trend upward especially among teens. Although brain development is still crucial during this time, we don’t know the long-term effects of usage for young teens and adults. E-cigs are convenient, taste flavorful, and don’t emit the same potent smoke smell as tobacco cigarettes. All too often, the cartridges are misplaced by adults leaving them available to underage participants.
What are the potential risks and side effects of E Cigs?
In 2019, this rapid growth resulted in an epidemic of hospitalizations and deaths of e-cigarette users (vapers) due to acute lung injury; this novel disease was termed e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
E-Cigarettes contain varying amounts of toxicants, nicotine, and carcinogens and increase the risk for lung diseases. Short-term data results of toxicological analysis suggest that e-cigarettes can be safer than conventional cigarettes, although harmful effects from short-term use as been known.
As popularity continues, more data is available showing an increase in lung diseases caused by vaping. Center for Disease Control termed E-cigarettes or vaping products use-associated lung injury. (EVALI) More recent studies showing extrapulmonary effects including cardiovascular, immunological, and neuro-developmental effects. However, many of these effects are likely dose dependent.
Due to potential increases in lung disease, it’s strongly advised E-cigarettes not to be consumed by adolescents. Data suggests E-cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional tobacco products, the risk for lung disease remains about the same in the short term.
Citiations
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- Park JA, Crotty Alexander LE, Christiani DC. Vaping and Lung Inflammation and Injury. Annu Rev Physiol. 2022 Feb 10;84:611-629. doi: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-061121-040014. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34724436; PMCID: PMC10228557.
- Neczypor EW, Mears MJ, Ghosh A, Sassano MF, Gumina RJ, Wold LE, Tarran R. E-Cigarettes and Cardiopulmonary Health: Review for Clinicians. Circulation. 2022 Jan 18;145(3):219-232. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.056777. Epub 2022 Jan 18. PMID: 35041473; PMCID: PMC8820458.
- Neczypor EW, Mears MJ, Ghosh A, Sassano MF, Gumina RJ, Wold LE, Tarran R. E-Cigarettes and Cardiopulmonary Health: Review for Clinicians. Circulation. 2022 Jan 18;145(3):219-232. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.056777. Epub 2022 Jan 18. PMID: 35041473; PMCID: PMC8820458.
- Smith ML, Gotway MB, Crotty Alexander LE, Hariri LP. Vaping-related lung injury. Virchows Arch. 2021 Jan;478(1):81-88. doi: 10.1007/s00428-020-02943-0. Epub 2020 Oct 27. PMID: 33106908; PMCID: PMC7590536.
- Marques P, Piqueras L, Sanz MJ. An updated overview of e-cigarette impact on human health. Respir Res. 2021 May 18;22(1):151. doi: 10.1186/s12931-021-01737-5. PMID: 34006276; PMCID: PMC8129966.
- Feeney S, Rossetti V, Terrien J. E-Cigarettes-a review of the evidence-harm versus harm reduction. Tob Use Insights. 2022 Mar 29;15:1179173X221087524. doi: 10.1177/1179173X221087524. PMID: 35370428; PMCID: PMC8968985.