While tobacco prevention and control programs have reduced smoking rates to historically low levels (approximately 7%), the American Lung Association states e-cigs or
vaping has increased to almost 27%.
This recent rise in vaping is thought to be due to several factors. First is the assumption that vaping is not addicting. Unfortunately, the opposite is true! Because the nicotine contained in the liquid “pods” is chemically altered, it is more concentrated and thus, more quickly enters the brain which results in addiction after just 2 weeks of vaping. In addition, this chemical alteration eliminates the burning cessation felt in the nose, mouth, throat and lungs when inhaled therefore removing this unpleasant side effect of “smoking” that many encounter when first trying a regular cigarette. This gives the
false impression
that vaping is safer
because its “just water vapor” you are inhaling. In fact, this is not just water vapor but an aerosol which can contain microfine metallic fragments, carcinogens, varying amounts of nicotine and other substances such as Vitamin E acetate, the ingredient thought to be one of the causes of
Vaping Related Lung Injury (VALI)
that has killed one person in Pennsylvania and 47 others across the US. Secondly, th
e addition of flavors such as cotton candy and buttered popcorn makes it particularly attractive to young people. Last, but not least, vaping products come in many designs some of which look like USB ports, pens and key fobs and other designs which lend themselves to being easily conceale
d like asthma inhalers and strings on a hooded sweatshirt. These high-tech vaping products are also very appealing.