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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.

1

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.

9

What is Third-hand Smoking and What Does it Mean for People Around You?

The term passive smoking has become common parlance now, for being in the vicinity of someone who is smoking. However, there is yet another form of passive smoking known as Third-hand smoke, which involves inhaling residual nicotine left on indoor surfaces. This can be particularly harmful since it can cause damage to the DNA.

Moreover, third-hand smoking is dangerous because it often mixes with pollutants and develops into cancer-causing compounds. Third-hand smoke initially develops from the nicotine that settles and spreads onto several indoor surfaces. Over time, certain harmful chemicals are released from these indoor surfaces and breathing them in can be as harmful as passive second-hand smoking. 

Who are the most at risk from third-hand smoke?

Since passive second-hand smoke is something that people have become conscious about to some extent, family members are often kept at bay when a person is smoking. However, the concept of third-hand smoke is fairly unknown to most smokers. Therefore, children and other non-smoking adults within the same closed or partially open indoor space may be at the highest risk of being exposed to such cancer-causing compounds.

If there are infants inside the house, third-hand smoke can be even more dangerous. This is because infants who haven’t learnt to walk yet, are usually in high contact with the floor and have their hands touching it most of the time. Nicotine from tobacco smoke settles and clings to such floor surfaces. Since infants have the habit of putting their hands inside the mouth quite often, this nicotine along with other harmful chemicals can easily enter their bodies.

For non-smoking adults, the effect of such cancer-causing compounds can be severe on their bodies. The detrimental impacts of passive smoking in non-smoking adults can include cancer of the nasal sinuses, throat and breast cancer, along with short and long-term respiratory symptoms and even the permanent loss of certain lung functions.

Read more about Vaping: Meaning, Risks and Truths You Must Know

What are the negative effects of third-hand smoke?

Since nicotine is one of the several deadly cancer-causing compounds, it has been identified as the leading cause of several forms of sinus, throat, breast and lung cancer. One study has particularly found that undetected damage to DNA could be one serious consequence of third-hand smoke in both children and non-smoking adults. This genetic damage along with the entry of cancerous compounds into the human body can often result in compound health ailments for people of all ages.

Moreover, in several cases, such third-hand smoke tends to remain and even accumulate on the smoker’s skin. It is also assumed that when a smoker comes in contact with a group of people, the entire group can fall prey to the damaging effects of third-hand smoke.

The Cleveland Clinic has identified several harmful effects of being exposed to third-hand smoke. Apart from the dangerous effects of cancerous substances like nicotine and damage to DNA, this type of passive smoking can also cause further damage to the respiratory system of non-smokers. When nicotine from tobacco clings to surfaces like clothes, walls, curtains, furniture, etc, it reacts with the Nitrous acids found in the atmosphere and forms different types of cancer-causing compounds.

Moreover, eliminating this nicotine residue is quite impossible since it is not directly visible. This residue can cling to indoor surfaces for several months and even years at a stretch. Ensuring proper ventilation in the room has little effect on this residue and it also evades the action of vacuum cleaners.

The only plausible solution to eliminate this residue from third-hand smoke may be to repaint the walls, replace all curtains and carpets and perform extensive cleaning of the ventilation systems inside the house. The entire process is quite expensive, to say the least and hence it is best to quit smoking in order to prevent the risk of third-hand smoke in the first place.

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

Prevention of third-hand smoke

Since such cancerous residue cannot be expelled simply by proper ventilation and can often be carried around the housing via clothing, it may be helpful to take some preventive measures. 

Read more about Does Vaping Cause Cancer? Exploring The Health Implications

Conclusion

Since third-hand smoke is a relatively new area of research, there is still a lot to be uncovered about its long-term effects on non-smokers and ways to prevent them. Moreover, lockdown during the pandemic has increased people’s chances of exposure to such cancer-causing compounds because of having to be in constant contact with someone at home who smokes. This can often cause irreparable damage to DNA and the only solution is either for the smoker to quit smoking or refrain from smoking at home to minimise chances of third-hand smoke.

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.