Harmful Effects of Vaping

Normal Lung vs Vaping Lung image

Normal Lung: Dark areas indicate healthy lung tissues allowing for good oxygen exchange.
Vaping Lung: White discoloration indicates hardening/thickening of the lung tissue which indicates potential for decreased lung function and irreversible damage.
 


The following toxic chemicals and metals have been found in e-cigarettes: 

Nicotine- Highly addictive and can negatively impact the adolescent brain development

Propylene glycol- Common additive in food but also used to make antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke

Carcinogens- Chemicals known to cause cancer

Acrolein- A herbicide used to kill weeds and known to cause irreversible lung damage

Diacetyl- A chemical linked to lung disease known as bronchiolitis Obliterans or “popcorn lung”

Diethylene Glycol- A toxic chemical used in antifreeze

Cadmium- A toxic chemical found in traditional cigarettes that causes breathing problems

Benzene- A volatile organic compound found in car exhaust

Additional items- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead & Ultra fine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

These chemicals can produce irreversible damage to an adolescent’s developing lungs
 


What are the health effects of E-cigarettes?

The long-term effects of e-cigarette use is still being researched; however, some key facts include:

  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which has known health effects. Nicotine is:
    • Highly addictive
    • Dangerous for pregnant women and their developing babies
    • Harmful to adolescent brain development, which continues to develop until around the age of 25. 
  • Nicotine exposure during adolescence can be long-lasting and may result in lower attention, impulse control, mood disorders, and addiction
     
  • Some e-cigarette products can contain as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes
     
  • E-cigarettes can cause unintended injuries from fires and explosions caused by defective e-cigarette batteries.
     
  • Besides nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol can contain substances that harm the body, such as cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that reach deep into the lungs. It is not just harmless “water vapor”. 
     
  • Recent cases of severe pulmonary disease are associated with e-cigarette use and vaping.

Information found at: Oakgov.com


The best way to prevent your children from using E-cigarettes is to educate them on the dangers of vaping!