The increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among children and young adults is a serious public health concern. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that look like everyday pens or sleek tech gadgets and produce an aerosol that users inhale. They contain nicotine and can also contain a variety of chemicals including flavorings, solvents, metals and other toxicants that are inhaled when the liquid inside an e-cigarette is heated.
Cigarette smoking kills 8 million people worldwide each year, and it is a major cause of disease including heart disease and lung cancer. A number of studies have found that e-cigarettes are just as or more dangerous than regular cigarettes. They are especially harmful to young people and are not an effective tool for cessation of the smoking habit.
E-cigarette proponents claim that e-cigarettes are safer because they don’t contain tobacco or carcinogens, but this is not true. Most e-cigarettes on the market today contain nicotine which is a highly addictive drug and a known toxin. Additionally, most e-cigarettes contain other chemicals including heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, nickel and tin which can damage the lungs. Other ingredients include acetaldehyde and volatile organic compounds that are associated with asthma, respiratory disease and cancer.
Adding to the dangers of e-cigarettes is the fact that many kids and teens think they are safe. The devices can be easily concealed in a backpack or hoodie and the large selection of appealing flavors is enticing to young people. The devices can also be used to conceal drugs or alcohol and can be used to inhale marijuana.
A number of medical experts are calling for stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and the liquids that go into them. The liquids are often not clearly labeled and can be dangerous if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin or eyes. Click here for cloud 9 vape stores in grayson ga to get professional advise.
The long-term effects of e-cigarettes are unknown but the current research is disturbing. The chemicals in e-cigarettes are inhaled into the lungs and can be ingested through the mouth or nose. They can lead to chronic cough, phlegm and bronchitis, as well as asthma and respiratory disease. The nicotine in e-cigarettes can lead to addiction, and it is possible for a person who has become addicted to e-cigarettes to start using regular cigarettes again. Many adults who use e-cigarettes are not quitting their regular cigarettes and continue to smoke, a practice called “dual use.”
The smoke from a conventional cigarette contains hundreds of toxic chemicals that can cause serious harm to the body. It is time to put the e-cigarette trend behind us and stop children and youth from starting the deadly habit of smoking. It is also important to remember that even using non-nicotine e-cigarettes can be harmful to a child’s health, because they still contain nicotine and other chemicals that are not good for them. The only way to protect our children and their future is to stop all forms of smoking and vaping. The Smoke-free Illinois Act already prohibits the smoking of all tobacco products in virtually all public places and workplaces, but we need to make sure this includes e-cigarettes as well.