Seven (7) health risks associated with vaping

As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, so does the concern over its potential health risks. Below are seven (7) health risks that have connected to vaping:

1. Nicotine addiction: Cigarettes and vaping devices contain nicotine, which is addictive. And while many people view vaping as a safe alternative to smoking, it can still lead to nicotine addiction.
2. Cardiovascular risks: Vaping can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, putting you at risk for heart disease. Here are 9 high blood pressure symptoms you should know.
3. Respiratory risks: Vaping can irritate and damage your respiratory system and has been linked to conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
4. Cancer: Some chemicals found in vaping increase the risk of cancer infection. Several studies have shown that vaping increases the risk of lung cancer, even when compared to smoking cigarettes. Besides lung cancer, vaping also increases the risk of other cancers, such as bladder and pancreatic cancer. Here’s how to prevent cancer.
5. Vaping can impact fertility: Women who vape are likely to experience reduced fertility. Studies have now found that the nicotine and flavorings used within vaping devices may affect a woman’s fertility resulting in delayed egg production.
6. Vaping causes infections: Recent studies by the Journal of Physiology provide evidence that E-cigarette vapor alters host innate immune responses and may lead to increased susceptibility to infections in E-cigarette users.
7. Mouth and gum disease: Nicotine damages blood vessels leading to bad breath and gum disease.

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Secondhand Vaping and its potential health effect

Secondhand vaping is a growing concern that has the potential to cause serious health effects. You need to know how it works and what you can do to reduce your risk of exposure.

What is secondhand vaping?

Secondhand vaping is inhaling vapor from e-cigarettes, vapes, or other electronic devices that someone previously vaped has used. It’s also sometimes referred to as “passive vaping.” The aerosol from a vape smoked by someone who did not initially vape is called “secondhand vapor.” It contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

How does secondhand vaping affect health?

The effects of secondhand vapor depend on the time spent near anyone who recently vaped and the daily exposure to secondhand vapors. When someone breathes in secondhand vapors for longer than about 30 minutes at a time, their risk for lung irritation increases significantly (up to 100%). In addition, they may experience symptoms such as coughing and wheezing (not all people will experience these symptoms).

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The negative impact of vaping on the environment

Vaping harms the environment. This rise in vaping use has led to concerns about the environmental impact of vaping. There are many reasons for this:

1. Most vapers use disposable e-cigarettes made from plastic and other materials that can leach into groundwater when they break down. In addition, because most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, they emit toxic chemicals (such as formaldehyde). These chemicals can cause serious health problems if they enter drinking water supplies or make their way into soil or groundwater through rainwater runoff.
2. Vaping devices emit toxic chemicals into the air when they break down or get thrown away improperly (for example, if you drop them next to your bed). These toxic chemicals include formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory problems; nitrosamines, which contribute to cancer; and arsenic compounds, which can cause a skin reaction.

In conclusion, vaping comes with a variety of health risks. These risks include lung damage, cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. Nigerians should avoid vaping because of these risks. If you are already a vape user, ensure to get a lung function screening test to know your health status. To get tested with Medbury Medicals, click here.

Related: 7 Health Screening Tests People In Their 30s Should Take To Stay Healthy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dangers of vaping?  

Vaping is a popular way to get nicotine without the harmful side effects of smoking. Vaping is not only safer, but it can be an effective way to quit smoking. However, certain health dangers are associated with vaping.

1. The chemicals used in e-cigarettes contain toxic substances that could cause health problems in high doses.
2. E-cigarettes produce a vapor that contains harmful chemicals and toxins like formaldehyde, acetone, and other carcinogens.
3. Certain e-cigarettes may contain more nicotine than others, making them more dangerous.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

Despite being less harmful than smoking, vaping still poses a risk. Using an e-cigarette, you inhale air that contains nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings, and other harmful substances to the health.

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What does vaping do to your lungs?

Vaping can cause damage to your lungs. The most significant risk of vaping is lung damage, which can cause several respiratory symptoms and conditions. Vaping has many other common side effects, such as dry mouth, coughing, and throat irritation.

How is vaping different from smoking?

Vaping and smoking are both ways to administer nicotine, but they are different. Smoking involves holding a lit cigarette in your mouth while inhaling the smoke. 

Vaping involves placing a battery-powered atomizer over a piece of e-liquid. This atomizer heats the liquid and turns it into a vapor.

The main difference between vaping and smoking is that vaping doesn’t involve any smoke; instead, you’re inhaling vaporized liquid nicotine with no combustion.