What do you know about Vaping? By: Cheryl H. Burnette RRT, CTTS
Centra Health
What are they? ď ľ
Also called electronic cigarettes, they are devices with a rechargeable battery that operates a heating element which converts cartridges containing nicotine into a vapor. May also contain flavorings. Some have reservoirs to refill.
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Vapor contains propylene glycol and is NOT water vapor. The Producers Statement by manufactures of propylene glycol indicates they do NOT support the inhalation of propylene glycol due to possible effects on the eye, nose, throat and respiratory tract membranes and no long term studies. www.propylene-glycol.com
The good, the bad and the ugly The good: General agreement that e-cigarettes contain fewer carcinogens. However formaldehyde is formaldehyde is formaldehyde. The good: There is hope that smokers can transition off of tobacco using the e-cigs. Only time will tell. The good: Users do not “smoke� as often and cravings not as strong. Big difference between vaping/grazing vs. sucking down a whole cigarette. The good: Fewer cigarette butts to litter
The Bad
Nicotine in any form harms brain development in adolescents.
Nicotine is addictive. Vaping appeals to kids and this perpetuates a new block of customers. Some may start using cigarettes.
Nicotine is poisonous. Calls to the National Poison control center have skyrocketed. Kids and pets come in contact with the disposed cartridges and can become sick AND die.
Fatal dose for adults is 30-60 mg. Fatal dose for kids is 10 mg. Some refill bottles contain over 1000 mg. of nicotine.
The Ugly
Not FDA regulated, no tobacco tax, easily accessible to anyone. In April 2014 sales banned to minors but can be purchased on line.
The percent of middle and high school kids that have tried them has doubled.
Flavorings can cause bronchiolitis obliterans. Remember popcorn lung from microwaved popcorn? Same stuff!!!!
No long term studies. Most of studies done by the tobacco companies.
They contain benzene, cadmium ( heavy metal), lead, nickel, nitrosamines and toluene. All are toxic. Formaldehyde can be 15 times more than found in cigarettes.
Smokers are using them when unable to smoke regular cigarettes. Still legal to use them anywhere such as restaurants unless banned by individual venues.
They are helping to renormalize smoking.
Second hand vapor contains nicotine and the aerosol particles are ultra fine which travel deep into the lungs and cause inflammation.
What are your options?
Use evidence based methods to quit smoking such as nicotine patch, gum or lozenges as well as prescription medications
Remember the only thing that should be put in your lungs is air.
Set a good example
1-800-Quit-Now offers telephone counseling
Centra offers a free one hour smoking cessation class monthly. To sign up call 200-3812