Vaping & Long-Term Health Effects: An In-Depth Look
As vaping has become increasingly popular, many people are wondering about the long-term health effects. While research on the matter is still ongoing, it is possible to identify some potential risks. In this article, we will examine how vaping can affect your long-term health, and what steps you can take to reduce any potential risks.
Overview of the Lont-term Effects of Vaping
Vaping is a newer activity and the long-term health effects of taking part in it are still largely unknown. However, in recent years, more evidence has been accumulating that illustrates the potential health risks of the practice. Toxicological analyses suggest that e-cigarettes may be safer than traditional cigarettes, but people who vape still have some risks of dangerous side effects. Additionally, research indicates that vaporizing substances such as vitamin E oil can have unique health risks specifically associated with e-cigarettes.
Acute Illnesses Linked to Short-term Vaping
Recent news reports have highlighted large numbers of people acutely ill due to the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported thousands affected by this epidemic. The CDC reports that many illnesses have serious consequences such as difficulty breathing, seizures, tumors, and comas. Many of the affected people reported vaping THC, a psychoactive component of cannabis. Additionally, as the CDC notes, there is evidence that vitamins, minerals, and other substances may have been present in some vaping products.
Risks of Long-term Vaping
The long-term effects of vaping may not be known for some time, since some diseases, such as cancer, can take many years to manifest. Evidence of the potential long-term health effects of e-cigarettes is still limited, but nicotine, one of the main components in e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and can have harmful effects on the developing brain. Recently, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAP) reported that there is significant evidence that nicotine can cause addiction, and that frequent vaping can make it difficult to stop.
Further, the NAP report concluded there is also some evidence that nicotine can impact cardiovascular health, as well as lung health and function. A 2017 review indicated that there is a risk of an increased likelihood of heart attack and stroke due to vaping. The risk was particularly pertinent to those who were using higher levels of nicotine in their vaping products. Additionally, it appears that e-cigarettes can be damaging to the oral health, triggering gum, mouth, and throat irritation. Furthermore, the increased heat created by vaping could increase the risk of airway damage and inflammation.
Finally, it is important to note that the long-term effects of inhaling of vaporized vitamin E oils, which are found in some electronic cigarettes, are still unknown. Vitamin E oil is linked to several cases of a new illness, with symptoms similar to lipoid pneumonia, which occurs when fat particles are inhaled into a person’s lungs. These particulates can cause inflammation and impair lung functioning. Given all of the potential risks associated with vaping, people should be aware of the long-term health effects of vaping and the potential impact it could have on their overall health.