Darth Vaper: To Vape or Not To Vape?

It is a common notion that using e-cigarettes is a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. It has even been supported as a method for quitting smoking. However, new research indicates that vaping can be more harmful than beneficial.

Cigarette smoking is the practice of inhaling burning tobacco. Cigarette smoke typically contains nicotine, tar, methane, and carbon monoxide, all of which are harmful to human health. Smoking can also cause diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is a lung disease that causes restricted airflow and breathing problems. 

On the other hand, vaping is the practice of inhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette. E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol (like haze or perfume) and come in various forms, most of which consist of a battery, heating element, and liquid chamber. Their designs may resemble cigarettes, pens, or small boxes.  

Contrary to popular belief, vaping is actually harmful to users as the liquid in e-cigarettes contains chemicals, including some that are toxic, and inhaling these can harm the lungs.

One chemical found in e-cigarettes is nicotine, an addictive substance also found in traditional cigarettes and tobacco which causes one to crave smoking and vaping. Ignoring this craving results in withdrawal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. It should be noted that vaping does not need to be a daily habit for one to get addicted. Just a few tries (even just one!) can lead to nicotine addiction. 

Nicotine does not only cause addiction to vaping, as many adolescents who start with nicotine go on to get addicted to alcohol and drugs such as marijuana. It can also harm and stunt brain development in adolescents which continues until the age of 25. It affects areas of the brain responsible for memory, focus, self-control, mood, learning, and attention. Moreover, teens who vape have increased risks of anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, with nicotine worsening the first two mental health issues. 

Vaping was initially thought to be a safer alternative to smoking.  However, recent studies have established that vaping poses serious health risks. Given the many risks associated with vaping, should one even still consider the use of e-cigarettes?