admin
Mthandazo Ndlovu
MANY youths think vaping is not that harmful and that e-cigarettes just contain water vapour. But, that is not the case. Although e-cigarettes generally emit fewer toxins than combustible tobacco products, we know that e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless water vapour.
It can expose users to several chemicals, including nicotine, carbonyl compounds, and volatile organic compounds (such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust), which are known to have adverse health effects. Flavourings in vape liquid can also be harmful to your health.
Diacetyl, the flavouring chemical in some e-cigarettes, gives food a buttery taste. But, when inhaled, it is linked to a serious lung disease called “popcorn lung.” Researchers found diacetyl in 75 percent of the vape liquid they tested.
If that’s not enough, heating vape liquid can produce dangerous by-products, including heavy metals like lead, tin, aluminium, and nickel, all of which is inhaled.
So as one is vaping they are simply introducing these chemicals into their bodies with great health implications.
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.
A single cartridge of vape liquid contains as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, or 200 cigarette puffs. This powerful nicotine punch is putting a new generation of youth at risk of nicotine dependence. Nicotine during adolescence and young adulthood can have long-term negative impacts on brain development and can cause addiction.
Compared with older adults, the brains of youth and young adults (which are still developing until age 25) are more vulnerable to the negative consequences of nicotine exposure. The effects of nicotine on the developing brain include reduced impulse control, deficits in attention and cognition, mood disorders, and addiction.
Diacetyl is used in many food products and eating it in small quantities is not an issue but inhaling it causes “popcorn lung,” a serious disease. Popcorn lung can cause scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs, causing wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
The aluminium found in vapour and vaping liquids has been shown to cause chemical pneumonia and in youths, its toxic levels can cause slowed growth and deformed bones.
Cadmium found in cellphone batteries has also been found in vaping products. Low consumption levels of cadmium can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Silver inhaling can cause breathing problems, lung and throat irritation, and stomach pain. Prolonged exposure to silver dust can cause permanent blue-grey staining of the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin.
Lead is toxic when swallowed, eaten, or inhaled (lead poisoning). Lead poisoning can lead to immediate and long-term health problems especially in youths such as nerve damage, issues with your digestive system, and death. In young people, significant exposure to lead has been shown to cause a drop in IQ level.
The above reflects that every e-cigarette puff you take will bring a load of health implications in your life. Be safe, don’t do it.
– Mthandazo Ndlovu is a drug prevention and rehabilitation specialist, addictions counsellor, adolescent counsellor, professional counsellor. For help and more information call or WhatsApp +263772399734 or email [email protected] and join the Rechabites in building a drug-free healthy society.
Online Reporter