The popularity of e-cigarettes among teenagers and workers is skyrocketing. Because, vaping or e-cigarettes are considered safer thanon conventional cigarettes and can even help quit smoking. Is that right? Come on, see the explanation here.
e-cigarette (e-cigarettes) is a battery operated smoking device. There are many variations of e-cigarettes, ranging from e-pipes, e-cigarette, vape or vaporizer, electric shisha and mods.
Generally, e-cigarettes consist of four different components, namely: cartridge which holds the liquid atomizer or heating elements, batteries, and mouthpiece or a funnel to inhale the smoke produced by heating the liquid in an e-cigarette.
Electronic Cigarette Liquid Content
Before discussing e-cigarettes further, let's look at the content contained in them:
1. Nicotine
Nicotine is the main ingredient in e-cigarette liquids. This compound is also in traditional cigarettes and is the reason why cigarettes can make a person addicted.
2. Propylene glycol and glycerol
These are the two most common solvents used in e-cigarettes. Usually, these two solvents are used in cosmetic products and some foods. In e-cigarettes, propylene glycol and glycerol are used to create steam when e-cigarettes are heated.
3. Diacetyl
diacetyl is a compound added to e-cigarette products to create a taste and aroma, such as aroma butter or caramel. This compound is often used in popcorn instant and safe to eat.
Safety of E-Cigarettes as a Substitute for Tobacco Cigarettes
E-cigarettes do not contain the harmful ingredients found in tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarette smoke can be said to consist only of nicotine, in contrast to tobacco smoke which contains tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other harmful compounds in addition to nicotine.
With its ability to provide "nicotine intake" for cigarette addicts, e-cigarettes were once called an alternative way to help quit smoking.
When compared to nicotine replacement therapy, for example by taking nicotine gum or using nicotine nicotine patch, e-cigarettes have been shown to be even more effective in quitting smoking.
However, this does not make e-cigarettes completely safe. The benefits of e-cigarettes in stopping tobacco use may only be felt in the short term. If used long term, e-cigarettes have the potential to carry more health risks than benefits.
As discussed above, e-cigarettes are high intakes of nicotine. This means that it is very likely that people who use e-cigarettes will be addicted to this tool. When you stop using it, some symptoms of addiction can appear, such as becoming more emotional or even feeling depressed.
A study showed that some people who use e-cigarettes to quit tobacco cigarettes may have difficulty quitting both types of cigarettes, and end up using both at the same time.
Another study also found that people who have never smoked tobacco but have inhaled e-cigarette smoke, including children, are 6 times more likely to smoke tobacco later in life.
Health Risks from the Content of E-Cigarettes
In addition to its addictive effects, nicotine also has side effects for health if used in excess, especially in the long term. Nicotine is known to cause narrowing and hardening of the walls of blood vessels, as well as an increase in blood pressure. In the long term, this can have a negative impact on the heart.
In addition, nicotine can also be harmful to the fetus and interfere with children's brain development. The dangers of nicotine to fetuses and children can occur, even more likely, if pregnant women or children are exposed to e-cigarette smoke as passive smokers.
Safety of ingredients other than nicotine, such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and diacetyl, also need to be considered. Although safe for consumption, these compounds are not necessarily safe for inhalation. Logically, these chemicals can irritate the lung passages and cause permanent damage or even cancer.
Vitamin E acetate in several types of e-cigarettes is strongly suspected as the cause of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), which is lung damage that can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, to respiratory failure. This condition can even occur in children aged 10 years.
Another risk to consider is the risk of an e-cigarette exploding and causing a fire. E-cigarettes can also cause poisoning in children who are attracted to the fruity or candy-smelling liquid in it.
Indeed, when compared to conventional tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes are no more dangerous. However, experts agree that there is still a need for continued research to assess and monitor the impact of e-cigarettes on health.
If you want to find a way to quit smoking, you should first consult with your doctor.
