Are Vape & Electronic Cigarettes Safe Smoking Alternatives?

The advancement of technology has significantly changed our lifestyle. While most new innovations make life easier, it is undeniably evident that there is some negative impact due to the development of technology. One of the most worrying impacts is the creation of electronic cigarettes. Conventional cigarettes are made from materials such as tobacco, preservatives, nicotine, tar, and more. The touch of technology has given new life to classic cigarettes and now electronic cigarettes exist. Some say that electronic cigarettes are better than regular cigarettes. Is that the truth? Let's find out more in this article. ​

What is an Electronic Cigarette?

The definition of ‘electronic cigarette’ according to the Ministry of Health is an electronic device that heats a liquid into an aerosol for inhalation and contains nicotine. Meanwhile, a device with the same function but does not contain nicotine is called a vape. In addition, the latest electronic cigarettes are also known as 'E-Cigs', 'mods', 'E-Hookahs' and ‘pods’. 

Electronic cigarettes do not use tobacco as a source of smoke but use chemical flavored liquids and most of them contain nicotine. It comes in a variety of shapes, colors, sizes and is also produced from different materials and substances. The device component comprises the following:

• Charging port or battery storage

• Liquid container (reservoir for storing liquid)

• Atomiser (for heating the liquid component)

• Inhaler / drip (to inhale the steam)

Is Electronic Cigarette an Alternative To Quit Smoking?

Most individuals start the habit of smoking electronic cigarettes or vape on the pretext of wanting to quit smoking. While others began to try it by assuming that electronic cigarettes are safer. Electronic cigarettes are said to contain low levels of nicotine, most smokers consider this device a way out of the shackles of conventional cigarettes. 

However, until now there is no evidence that electronic cigarettes can cause an individual to quit smoking or is a safe alternative to a conventional cigarette. In fact, a study has shown that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes will remain addicted to regular cigarettes and electronic cigarettes.

Although marketed as a safe or better alternative, it goes without saying those narratives were associated to merely be a part of lucrative marketing techniques. Although it may contain lower nicotine or no nicotine at all, this device still contains a variety of other harmful chemicals that can still affect our health!

So, do not be deceived. Electronic cigarettes are not a solution to cigarette addiction.

Why Are Electronic Cigarettes Harmful to Humans?

Most vape juices still contain nicotine - at least in low quantities. Even the claims of some sellers who say their products are nicotine-free, there are high chances still for it to contain the controversial substance. In addition, electronic cigarettes also contain other chemicals that are no less dangerous than nicotine. Let's look at the dangers of electronic cigarettes further.

1. Nicotine can affect a person's brain, especially the young. The use of nicotine will affect a person's learning performance, focus, mood and memory. 

2. Nicotine intake will also secrete the hormone dopamine which makes a person feel happy. But prolonged intake will lead to addiction. Take this quiz to find out if you're dependent on nicotine!

3. Uncontrolled substances in electronic cigarettes such as mercury and so on are toxic and can cause many adverse effects on human organs such as damage to the lungs, kidneys, liver and more.

4. Nicotine is also said to have an impact on a person's heart in the long run. This is because it can cause the adrenal glands to produce the hormone epinephrine and cause a person's heart to beat faster and increase blood pressure.

5. The use of nicotine is also said to increase the risk of cancer because the content can cause mutations in human body cells.

6. In addition to the effects on electronic smokers themselves, this material also has an impact on the people around them, namely secondary smokers or passive smokers. Toxic substances in the form of smoke and steam will also be inhaled by people around without being filtered causing various harms such as respiratory problems and others.

Electronic Cigarette Contents & Substance

Chemicals or liquids used in electronic cigarettes or vapes are widely known as juice. The content of electronic cigarettes can be varied according to the wishes and tastes of any form and kinds of flavor including drugs such as marijuana. 

1. Flavouring. Vape juices have smells or tastes that may resemble candy, lollipops, and cordial flavours such as grapes, blueberries and even strawberries. It is the use of this variety of flavours that makes many young people attracted to smoke this vape. However, these flavors have been shown to cause the death of lung, brain, and skin cells.

2. Propylene Glycol (PG). Is the material from petroleum waste and serves to convert vape liquid to steam. It has no smell but it has a sweet taste. Studies on this substance found that in addition to causing irritation to the respiratory system, it also releases a cancer-causing substance called formaldehyde.

3. Glycerin. To your knowledge, glycerin is an ingredient extracted from vegetable oils and serves to provide thickness to vape vapours. It also causes the throat to feel less pain when vape smoke passes through a person's throat. However, prolonged use of glycerin can cause damage to internal organs.

4. Nicotine is a substance that will have an addictive effect on a person. It affects nerves as well as brain cells. High doses of nicotine use can also be fatal!

5. Formalin, tin, mercury and various other heavy metals also increase the risk of cancer. These electronic cigarette substances are also found to be able to release fine particles that can penetrate the lining of the lungs easily.

In conclusion, the cultivation of electronic cigarettes in society can be cancerous if it is not regulated by medical and governmental authority. The use and safety of electronic cigarettes should definitely be regulated and supervised to avoid the issue of electronic cigarettes such as substance abuse as well as curb the effects of electronic cigarettes that have proven to be detrimental to social health and wellness. Talk to a doctor to help you quit smoking today!

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