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Does Vaping Cause Cancer? Exploring The Health Implications

Key Highlights

Introduction

As the popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping continues to grow, so does the debate over their safety. Hundreds of thousands of people are turning to these devices for their nicotine fixes, hoping to reduce their exposure to the harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. This has led many people to question whether or not vaping is a safer alternative to smoking and, more specifically, if it causes cancer. In this blog post, we will explore the health implications of vaping, including its connection to cancer, other health risks and its role in smoking cessation.

To fully understand the issue, it is essential to first understand the basics of vaping, the components of e-cigarettes, and the research that has been conducted on the topic. With that foundation, we will dive into more specific details surrounding cancer risks, other health concerns, and additional factors tied to vaping.

Did you know?

The basics of vaping

Before discussing the health implications of vaping, it is important to understand what e-cigarettes are, how they work and their components.

1. What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that allow users to inhale a vaporised solution, known as e-liquid or vape juice. The e-liquid typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and flavouring agents.

2. What is vaping?

Vaping refers to the act of inhaling the aerosol (often referred to as vapour) created by an e-cigarette or vaping device. The term “vapour” is somewhat misleading, as the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains particles and chemicals—not just water vapour.

3. How do e-cigarettes work?

E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid solution (e-liquid) containing nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and flavourings. The heating element within the device turns the liquid into an aerosol, which users then inhale into their lungs.

4. The components of e-cigarettes

The key components of e-cigarettes include base liquids, nicotine content and flavours. Understanding these individual parts can help shed light on the potential health risks associated with vaping.

E-liquids consist of a base liquid made up of propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, referred to as PG and VG, respectively. These substances are generally considered safe by the FDA and are commonly used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. However, their inhalation after being heated can be harmful.

Nicotine is the primary addictive substance found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes. E-liquids can contain varying levels of nicotine, with some even claiming to be nicotine-free (although some studies have found unlisted nicotine in such products). Nicotine exposure is associated with increased cancer risk and adverse effects on adolescent and young adult brain development.

E-cigarettes offer a wide variety of flavours. Some studies have shown that certain flavourings may be more toxic than others, while others can react with base liquids, creating potentially harmful chemical compounds. For example, diacetyl (a buttery/popcorn flavour) has been linked to severe respiratory illnesses.

Here’s a brief overview of the main components in e-cigarettes:

ComponentDescription
Base Liquids (Propylene Glycol or Vegetable Glycerin)Generally considered safe by FDA; potential inhalation effects unknown.
Nicotine ContentAddictive substance associated with increased cancer risk and harmful effects on brain health.
FlavoursCan vary greatly; some flavours may be more toxic than others; possible reactions with base liquids.

Vaping is not al all safer. It definitely increases the risk of cancers and additction in people.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Vaping and Cancer: understanding the connection

Is there a definitive connection between vaping and cancer? Studies have been conducted in an attempt to answer this question, but it remains complex due to several factors.

1. Overview of research on vaping and cancer

Research on the relationship between vaping and cancer is still relatively new and emerging. As vaping devices have only been marketed in the U.S. for about a decade, long-term studies on the effects of vaping on cancer risk are not yet available.

2. Factors influencing cancer risk

There are several factors to consider when evaluating the potential cancer risk associated with vaping, including nicotine content, juice flavours and certain ingredients.

As previously discussed, nicotine is associated with increased cancer risk and e-liquids often contain varying levels of nicotine. Exposure to nicotine through vaping may contribute to an increased risk of developing cancer.

Certain e-liquid flavouring agents have been shown to be more toxic than others, potentially increasing cancer risk. For example, the use of diacetyl in e-liquids has been linked to serious respiratory illnesses.

3. Ingredients to avoid

Although e-cigarette manufacturers are required to submit an ingredient list to the FDA, they are not required to list e-juice ingredients on product labels. Therefore, it can be difficult for consumers to know what ingredients their e-cigarette contains. However, it may be helpful to avoid e-liquids containing certain flavouring chemicals that are potentially harmful, such as diacetyl and acetyl propionyl.

Considering these factors can give us a better understanding of vaping-related cancer risks:

FactorDescription
Nicotine ContentAssociated with increased cancer risk
Juice FlavoursSome, like diacetyl, are considered harmful
Potentially Harmful IngredientsDifficult for users to identify due to lack of labelling requirements

Although vaping can help some people quit smoking and is usually cheaper than smoking, please note that it is not completely harmless and can cause you to inhale ultrafine particles and chemicals directly into the lung which are associated with serious lung diseases.

Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Other health risks associated with vaping

In addition to cancer risks, there are several other potential health problems associated with vaping, ranging from lung diseases to negative consequences like heart disease and brain development impact.

1. Lung diseases and complications

Some studies have suggested that vaping can lead to lung diseases and complications such as chronic bronchitis, asthma and reduced lung function. E-cigarette aerosol contains chemicals that can cause inflammation in the lungs and may contribute to the development of lung disease.

Although e-cigarettes may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes, the effects on lung health are still uncertain. But considering it safer, people often use this excessively hence increasing the health risks. 

“Popcorn lung,” or bronchiolitis obliterans, is a rare but serious lung condition that can result from inhaling diacetyl—a chemical found in some e-cigarette flavourings. 

2. Mouth cancer

While not as well-studied as lung health, some evidence suggests that exposure to the chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol could increase one’s risk for mouth cancer. 

3. Negative consequences of vaping

Beyond lung health and potential cancer risks, vaping carries other potential health risks. These may include

Several studies have raised concerns about the impact of e-cigarette use on heart health. One study found that e-cigarette users had higher odds of having a heart attack, coronary artery disease and depression than non-users. However, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Nicotine, a common ingredient in e-liquids, can harm brain development in young individuals. Studies have shown that adolescents and young adults exposed to nicotine are at risk for cognitive, memory and attention deficits.

Nicotine addiction is a significant concern for e-cigarette users, particularly youth. The use of e-cigarettes may lead to nicotine dependence, which can make quitting difficult and potentially increase the risk of transitioning to cigarette smoking.

Exploring the overall health risks associated with vaping:

Health RiskDescription
Lung Diseases and ComplicationsPotential for chronic bronchitis, asthma, lung function issues
Mouth CancerEvidence suggesting increased risk due to e-cigarette aerosol
Negative ConsequencesHeart diseases, brain development impact, addiction

According to NHANES data, survey in USA, e-cigarette users or vaping had an early age of cancer onset and higher risk of cancer.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Also Read: Does Air Fryer Cause Cancer? Unveiling the Facts Behind the Question

Can vaping help with smoking cessation?

Many people turn to e-cigarettes as a method for quitting traditional cigarettes, but whether they are effective as smoking cessation tools remains debated.

1. Evaluating e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool

E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA as aids for quitting smoking. There are much safer alternatives that can be advised by your doctor to help with smoking cessation. E-cigarettes are not recommended for this. 

2. Secondhand exposure to E-cigarette aerosol

Exposure to e-cigarette aerosol or secondhand “vapour” presents health risks for those in the vicinity of someone vaping.

3. Health implications of secondhand e-cigarette aerosol exposure

Secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can be harmful, as the aerosol contains nicotine, ultrafine particles, flavourings and other chemicals associated with health problems. Young children, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the potential harms of secondhand aerosol exposure.

Comparison with secondhand cigarette smoke

While secondhand e-cigarette aerosol has been found to contain fewer toxic chemicals than secondhand cigarette smoke, it is not without risk. More research is needed to better understand the potential health consequences of secondhand exposure to e-cigarette aerosol and how it compares to the well-documented dangers of secondhand cigarette smoke.

Examining the effects of secondhand e-cigarette aerosol:

AspectDescription
Health ImplicationsSecondhand exposure to aerosol can be harmful
Comparison to Secondhand SmokeContains fewer toxic chemicals, but not without risk

Conclusion

With the rapid increase in e-cigarette use and the ongoing debate surrounding their safety, it is crucial for individuals to be well-informed about the potential health implications of vaping. It is crucial to understand that both cigarettes and E-cigarettes are very harmful to your body and environment. The presence of carcinogenic ingredients in e-cigarettes poses a potential threat of cancers. E-cigarettes have been banned in India and It is not advisable to opt for e-cigarettes in any case.

Also Read: Does Vaping Make Your Teeth Yellow: Exploring Dental Impact of Vaping

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can vaping give you mouth cancer?

While the potential link between vaping and mouth cancer is not fully understood, some evidence suggests that exposure to e-cigarette aerosol could increase the risk of mouth cancer.

What are the real dangers of vaping?

The real dangers of vaping range from lung diseases and mouth cancer to negative consequences such as heart diseases, brain development impact and addiction.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

While current research suggests that vaping is less harmful than smoking, the long-term effects of vaping are not yet fully understood.

What are the 3 negative consequences of vaping?

Three negative consequences of vaping include lung diseases, heart diseases and brain development impact in young individuals.

Does vaping increase your risk for a certain type of cancer?

Vaping has been linked to an increased risk of lung, oral and bladder cancers. However, more research is needed to solidify these connections and explore potential links to other types of cancer.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
  2. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Lung Cancer [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-small-cell-lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarettes: Diacetyl, 2,3-Pentanedione, and Acetoin in a Sample of 51 Products, Including Fruit-, Candy-, and Cocktail-Flavored E-Cigarettes – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892929
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Electronic cigarettes: overview of chemical composition and exposure estimation – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4304610
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Exposures to Flavoring Chemicals [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flavorings/exposure.html
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Electronic Cigarette Use Among U.S. Adults, 2018 [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db365.htm
  7. American Lung Association. Search Albert Rizzo, M.D., FACP [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/media/meet-our-experts/al-rizzo
  8. American Lung Association. Learn About Bronchiolitis Obliterans [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/popcorn-lung/learn-about-popcorn-lung#
  9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). quitSTART App [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/quitstart-app/index.html
  10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1-800-QUIT-NOW: 15 Years of Helping People Quit [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/features/quitlines/index.html
  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Surgeon General’s Advisory on E-cigarette Use Among Youth [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/surgeon-general-advisory/index.html
  12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Media [Internet]. [cited 2023 Jun 26]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/media

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Vaping: Meaning, Risks and Truths You Must Know

What is Vape and an E-cigarette?

An electric vape or an e-cigarette is a device that runs on batteries and heats up a liquid and creates a vapour that you inhale. The liquid can contain several chemicals, including nicotine and some flavouring. 

Vaping is gaining a lot of popularity and there are many types of vaping devices, such as vape pens, e-cigarettes and vape hookahs. While several people believe that vaping is better than smoking, is vaping safe? Vaping still involves many health risks and we shall find out more about the harmful effects of vaping in this article. 

How does vaping work?

Vaping devices come in different shapes, sizes and colours. They produce an aerosol byproduct when they electrically heat the liquid. Depending upon the type of product used, The vape e-liquid may deliver ingredients such as:

The liquid is often called “e-juice”, “vape juice,” or “vape liquid”. When a person inhales the vapour, it goes into the lungs and bloodstream and it is expelled from the mouth or nose. Not only people who are vaping but also bystanders can breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales it into the air.

In the year 2022, almost 1 in 10 or more than 2.5 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes over the past 30 days. The rise of e-cigarette use among middle school and high school students increases overall tobacco use. 

CDC strongly advises against the use of all THC-containing e-cigarettes or vaping products. Data indicates that using vaping products more than five times daily is associated with a higher risk of developing EVALI(E-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury).

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Vaping health risks 

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance present in vape e-liquid. If compared to regular cigarettes, it is present in a much lesser amount in a vape; vaping does not involve the smoke and tar of a regular cigarette. However, it still contains harmful substances which enter your body and may cause several health issues. Some of the vaping health risks you must be aware of are:

Read More About 10 Tips on How To Quit Smoking

5 Facts about vaping

1: Vaping may be less harmful than smoking, but it’s still not safe. Even nicotine-free vaping may prove to be harmful to you as it contains several other toxic products which cause lung injuries and damage.

2: Research suggests vaping is bad for your heart and lungs. Nicotine raises your blood pressure and increases your risk of having a heart attack.

3: Electronic cigarettes are just as addictive as traditional ones as both contain nicotine and if you get addicted to them, you will suffer withdrawal symptoms when you ignore the craving. E-cigarette users can buy extra-strength cartridges with a higher concentration of nicotine. 

4: Vaping and e-cigarettes are promoted as ways to help you quit cigarette smoking, but they may not work as intended. Most people who intend to use e-cigarettes to kick the smoking habit end up continuing to use traditional e-cigarettes.

5: A new generation is finding e-cigarettes better than any traditional tobacco product. They are using flavoured e-cigarettes and these have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes. This is proving to be a dangerous habit.

Also Read: Does Vaping Cause Cancer? Exploring The Health Implications

Vaping vs cigarette smoking

Neither smoking nor vaping is good for human health. Even though vape liquids contain fewer contaminants than cigarettes, they are not entirely safe. Vaping exposes a person to several other harmful substances than just nicotine and slows down the brain in fetuses, children and teens. The long-term effects of vaping are lung damage, cancer, weak immune system etc.

Smoking can damage all your body organs and it increases the risk of cancer and death. Some other long-term effects of smoking are reduced sperm count, respiratory problems, increased risk of cataracts, impaired immune function, inflammation in different parts of the body, blockages in the veins and arteries and stroke. 

Conclusion

It’s time we must understand the significance of practising healthy habits and staying away from unhealthy ones. People have started taking their health seriously and vaping or smoking must never be practised. In the case of vaping, it is hard to tell how much of the harmful chemicals are being inhaled and people tend to think it is much less than regular smoking, but addiction is equally harmful and you must understand the long-term vaping health risks and avoid it as well as smoking, at all costs. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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6 Effective Alternatives To Smoking!

According to a study conducted by Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington on Quit Smoking, it was noted that India gained 35 million smokers each year keeping the smoking rate to 13 per cent.

Smoking is the greatest single cause of illness and premature death in the world. Almost everyone for sure knows and are aware that smoking is a poor choice of habit to follow. But why do they still hold on to it? Why not just quit smoking?

Smoking as an Addiction

Addiction to smoking a cigarette is mainly caused due to the presence of Nicotine among the many other chemicals found in it. When you inhale the nicotine, it immediately rushes to your brain, where it produces feelings of pleasure and reduces stress and anxiety. The very idea of all this can be tempting, which is why many depend on it.

The physical part of it is the inhalation, smoking gets complicated when it becomes a habit. You see, when it is a habit you start craving for it and moulding your lifestyle accordingly. It starts with smoking a puff during breaks to a puff before a meal and then another after and before you know it you are an addict! But it’s not just a habit, your emotions come into play and keep you trapped in the cycle. It is never too late to quit smoking. But what re the best ways to quit smoking?

It is not impossible to quit smoking. But it sure does require commitment from your side. If you don’t have the will, just go through our other blogs to get an idea about the kind of health failures you might face in the future. Hopefully, that should give you the much-needed motivation to quit smoking:

Behavioral therapy and Nicotine replacement therapy i.e. nicotine chewing gums are very effective. Nicotine chewing gums helps in controlling the acute cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Evidence has shown that using NRT helps increase the chances of quitting by about 50% to 70%.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Why is it important to quit smoking?

The real question is- Don’t you want to live? Imagine a life where you can actually predict your death. A slow painful death all because you couldn’t get rid of one harmful habit called smoking. Does such a thought appeal to you? If you were going to throw away your life and everything you have built for yourself just over a mere addiction, why take so much effort anyway. Right?

But it is not too late to take the first step! Just quit smoking. Believe in yourself and stick to the plan. Did you know that:

Also Read: What Causes Yellow Teeth: Unpacking Oral Health Misconceptions

If you are having a hard time coping with quitting, remember that you are not alone. Here is a list of alternative coping techniques to help you quit smoking:

Avoid alcohol and other such triggers especially stress during the first couple of weeks of quitting smoking, and indulge yourself in music, relaxation, massage, and other hobbies to divert you from the urge.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Alternatives for smoking

Read More: 10  Ways to Quit Smoking

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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