Since electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) hit the market in the early 2000s, they have soared in popularity and use, especially among teens and young adults. Once thought a “safer” way to smoke, vaping with e-cigarettes is now called a public health crisis by many health groups.
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices used for a type of smoking called vaping. They produce a mist that is inhaled deep into the lungs, mimicking the feeling of smoking regular cigarettes.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine. The exact amount varies by brand. Some have as much or more than paper cigarettes. They may also have added flavors and contain a variety of other chemicals.
How does an e-cigarette work?
E-cigarettes use batteries or electricity to heat up a liquid until it turns into a mist.
The mist may contain:
- Nicotine
- Chemical flavorings
- Microscopic particles
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Heavy metals, such as lead, tin, and nickel
Risks of E - cigarettes:
- Nicotine Addiction (yes they are addictive)
- Cancer (Oral, Lung Cancer cases have been reported)
- Lung Diseases (Tuberculosis, COPD etc)
- Explosions while use.
Expert's view:
E-cigarettes have been strongly linked to continued tobacco use (addiction) and are not recommended for young people.
- They are also harmful to pregnant ladies & fetuses.
- They contain heavy metals, such as lead, tin, and nickel
- E-cigarettes can look like regular cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. They may also resemble sleek electronic devices, making them appealing to younger users.