Over the past few years, vaping has taken the world by storm. Marketed as a cleaner, safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vape pens have become especially popular among young adults. With their sleek designs and addictive flavors, it’s easy to see why vaping has become a trend, but behind the flavored mist lies a growing debate: Is vaping truly a less harmful option, or are we underestimating its risks?
This blog will help you to take a closer look at the science behind vaping, i.e, what it is, how it affects your body, and whether it’s the “safer” choice many believe it to be. Let’s get started.
What is vaping?
The vaping device, also known as an electronic cigarette or e-cig, is a handheld device that uses a vaping element to create an aerosol that looks like water but contains nicotine and more than 30 other chemicals. These aerosols, when inhaled into the lungs, reach the bloodstream and can cause breathing problems, damage to organs, and addiction.
How does vaping work?
A vaping device contains heating elements that heat the e-liquid, also known as vape juice. This juice usually contains a mixture of nicotine, vegetable glycerin, and flavouring agents that create aerosol and mist, which then enter through your mouth and reach your lungs.
Components of an e-Cigarette
- A cartridge tank, a PID that holds the liquid
- Heating elements powered by a battery (turn liquid into aerosol to produce mist)
- A power or control button
- Mouthpiece to inhale aerosol.
Health risks associated with vaping
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Diarrhea and Vomiting
- Stomach pain
Possible risk factors of vaping
Vaping risk can lead to many health-related conditions, such as organ damage, lung damage, breathing problems, and addiction, which may become severe if left untreated. These are
- Lung Scarring/Damage—Cigarettes contain a harmful chemical known as diacetyl that can cause bronchitis, which may lead to lung damage or scarring.
- Asthma—Vaping can increase the risk of asthma and other lung conditions, or it can make existing asthma worsen.
- Affect/Damage Organ—E-liquid in vaping contains nicotine that interferes with the heart and brain, which can narrow the arteries, leading to high blood pressure.
- EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury) – EVALI is a major risk factor of vaping, characterized by severe lung damage, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain. It’s still under investigation but found to be associated with the vaping product containing the psychoactive compound vitamin E acetate and thickening agents.
- Over Addiction—Nicotine in the vapes can make you addicted, meaning it can make your brain feel like you want more nicotine, which further makes you more addicted, or, in case you want to stop or leave it, may cause health problems. Consult with your doctor or counselor in case of over-addiction.
- Secondhand Vaping—Vaping does not make smoke, and people around you are exposed to nicotine and other harmful chemicals when vaping.
- Explosion in Battery—A vaping device contains a battery that can explode and may cause serious injuries and burns.
- Cancer—Some form of chemicals in e-liquid of vape may cause cancer
What is e-liquid or juice in vapes?
E-liquid in the vapes helps the vaping device make vapor that you breathe in. E-liquid usually contains
- Flavouring according to the needs of a person who vapes
- Nicotine, which is a harmful substance in cigarettes and tobacco products
- Propylene glycol and glycerin to create vapour
- In addition, it also contains some other harmful chemicals that can cause cancer (carcinogens); these are–
- Acetaldehyde or formaldehyde.
- Acrolein, diacetyl, and diethylene glycol.
- Heavy metals like tin, cadmium, lead (very harmful, affect brain functions)
- Very fine particles (can deeply affect lungs)
- Chemicals in marijuana, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), make you high.
- Vitamin E acetate (linked to lung injury, EVALI)
What is EVALI?
E-cigarette or vaping product-associated lung injury (EVALI) is a severe aftereffect of vaping, potentially caused by chemicals like vitamin E acetate found in some liquids.
An outbreak observed during 2019-20 put approximately. Thousands of people are in the hospital, and around 65-68 people die due to vaping; among them are mostly people over the age of 35. EVALI can happen to anyone using nicotine- or THC-containing vapes.
What are the symptoms of EVALI?
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate
- Chest pain or stomach pain
- Fever
- Vomiting & Diarrhea
How to Quit Vaping?
Quitting vaping is similar to quitting smoking. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and sticking to good habits like a good diet and routine can help you quit vaping. It takes time, so make a plan accordingly and execute the tasks that help you along the way.
Understanding Why Quitting is Important
Vaping is harmful and may lead to
- Nicotine addiction
- Lung Disorders and Inflammation
- Anxiety, high blood pressure (BP), poor focus
- Long-term health risks
What to expect when you quit vaping?
When you quit, your body goes through withdrawal, which means how your body reacts without nicotine. You might feel
- Angry
- Sad or anxious
- Difficult Concentration
- Strong cravings for vaping
Note: These symptoms usually peak for 2-3 days, then slowly go down
Tips to Quit Vaping
- Make a Plan— Pick a specific date and remove items from your space, such as pods and chargers.
- Use Healthy Options. – In case you feel cravings, go for
- Nicotine replacement Therapy, such as chewing gum and patches
- Do workouts and be physically active.
- Drink cold water and keep your hands busy (fidget tool or stress ball)
- Avoid triggers—Engage yourself whenever you are feeling stressed, as this situation can make you vape.
- Ask your provider— Be in contact with your therapist or doctor about the free resources that help you reduce vaping.
- Be in touch with family and friends— Talk with your family and friends about your vaping habits; their support and love will help you to stick to your plan.
- Track your progress—always check
- For how many days are you vape-free
- See how your body is healing.
- Stay motivated with rewards and goals.
A Final Thought
Vaping can be harmful, like smoking, as it contains nicotine, which affects lung health and may cause severe lung disorders if left untreated. Vaping produces a mist that contains harmful chemicals that directly interfere with brain functioning. Its long-term health effects are still under investigation, but current evidence points to harm to lungs, especially in young people. Choosing to stay informed and cautious is the key, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cigarettes and e-cigarettes?
Cigarettes and e-cigarettes (vaping) both involve nicotine. E-cigarettes are devices that heat liquid to make aerosol and mist, while cigarettes burn tobacco, which creates smoke.
Is vaping illegal or legal in India?
It is completely illegal under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019, which banned the import, export, manufacture, sale, transport, and advertisement across India.
Is vaping more harmful than cigarettes?
Vaping is often thought to be safer than cigarettes, but both contain nicotine and have adverse effects on our lung health. Studies are still going on to find the long-term effects of vaping, but they both bring harmful chemicals to our bodies; hence, both should be avoided.
Can I Quit Smoking through Vaping?
While vaping and smoking are both considered harmful, you can go for other alternatives like chewing gum or patches, which might help you to quit smoking, but overall, not help you to quit nicotine altogether. So, consult with your healthcare provider and make a plan to quit smoking permanently.
Can Vaping Kill You?
Prolonged lung injury due to vaping may lead to death; however, early precautions and prevention are the only options to prevent such a condition.
