E-cigarettes & Vaping the facts
In the ever-evolving conversation about vaping, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of conflicting information and loud opinions. At VapeGuardian, we understand how crucial it is to make informed decisions based on reliable facts, especially when it comes to your health and well-being.
That’s why we’ve dedicated this space to addressing some of the most commonly asked questions about vaping. Our goal is to cut through the noise and provide you with clear, factual, and unbiased answers. Whether you’re a concerned parent, an educator, or just someone curious about the impact of vaping, you’ll find the information you need right here.
Let’s explore the facts together and pave the way for a healthier, vape-free environment.
Vaping's Impact On Physical Health,Mental Health,Oral Health,The Environment
Vaping is the act of inhaling vaporised substances, typically nicotine-infused e-liquids, using electronic cigarettes or vape pens. While some argue that it can be a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking, it still poses serious risks. Vaping liquids often contain addictive nicotine, leading to potential dependence and health issues. Additionally, the long-term effects of inhaling the chemicals present in e-liquids are largely unknown. However, some potential positives include its potential role in smoking cessation and the absence of harmful tar and combustion by-products. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised due to the negative impact on respiratory health and the risk of attracting non-smokers, especially the youth, to this addictive habit.
100%
of vape liquids' ingredients are mislabelled. Missing off a number of dangerous chemicals
99%
of vapes sold contain nicotine. Even though many that claim to have 0% nicotine
100%
contained chemicals with unknown effects on respiratory health as well as carcinogens
62%
of vapes contained chemicals likely to be toxic if vaped repeatedly
Information quoted from Lung Foundation Australia and the CDC.
Health
Often compared to smoking to make vaping seem less unhealthy, what’s the truth?
This answer is based on what we know from gathering research from a number of organisations. The truth is, we cannot say for sure what is in vapes. What we do know is that despite not containing tobacco, many e-liquids still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance, along with other potentially harmful chemicals:
- Formaldehyde and acrolein, which can cause irreversible lung damage
- Propylene glycol, which is toxic to human cells
- Nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm the still-developing adolescent brain, particularly in areas that control attention, learning, mood and behavioural control.
These additives are often used to create appealing fruit, alcohol, or confectionary flavors. A groundbreaking study, sponsored by Lung Foundation Australia, Minderoo Foundation, and the Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation WA, conducted at Curtin University, thoroughly examined 52 flavoured e-liquids available over-the-counter in Australia. The findings revealed a concerning cocktail of chemicals, raising serious doubts about the safety of these products, especially concerning the respiratory health of young individuals.
Many people’s immediate response to this is to state that it is better than traditional smoking. Where this may be true, it does not mean that vaping is risk free. Some short-term negative effects include:
- Nicotine addiction
- Intentional and unintentional poisoning
- Acute nicotine toxicity causing seizures
- Burns and injuries
- Lung injury
- Oral health problems (dry mouth, tooth recession & more)
A comprehensive 2019 study in JAMA, involving nearly 30,000 adults over 18 who use e-cigarettes, suggests a significant correlation. The research indicates that regular e-cigarette users are 2.4 times more likely to have a depression diagnosis compared to those who have never vaped.
The same study revealed that individuals currently using e-cigarettes were 1.67 times more likely, and former users 1.52 times more likely, to experience at least one day of poor mental health in the previous month, in contrast to those who never vaped and reported no days of poor mental health. The presence of trace metals in vaping liquids is suspected to contribute to this potential connection between vaping and depression.
The Impact of Vaping on Depression Symptoms
Could vaping lead to depression? A 2017 study focusing on nearly 2,500 ninth graders in Los Angeles, who had no prior experience with e-cigarettes or traditional tobacco, found a notable association. Those who vaped more frequently showed increased symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness or frequent crying, after one year.
Vaping and Its Association with ADHD
Is there a relationship between vaping and ADHD? Research conducted in 2019 on U.S. college students revealed a significant association between vaping and higher levels of ADHD symptoms. The study also found a correlation between nicotine dependence and increased anxiety symptoms.
The Importance of Preventing and Quitting Vaping
Preventing vaping among teens and young adults, as well as assisting current users in quitting, is crucial. Not only does cessation break the nicotine addiction and lower the risks associated with tobacco use, but it also has a positive impact on mental health. A 2014 meta-analysis highlighted that quitting smoking is associated with reduced anxiety, depression, and stress, and leads to an enhanced mood and overall quality of life, compared to continuing smoking. “This is Quitting®,” a free, anonymous resource offered by the Truth Initiative, has aided over 350,000 individuals in their journey to stop vaping.
Environmental
Difficult to break-down and rarely recycled Disposable vapes are becoming a major environmental issue.
Disposable vapes thrown away every week in the UK
Health
Addictive and packed full of undisclosed carcinogens & other chemicals – delivered directly to lungs at high temperatures
Of e-cigarette packaging mislabels the ingredients
Young People
Disposable vapes’ bright packaging, fun flavours and easy access: all leading to an alarming rise in young vapers
People aged 11-19 vape in the UK. Data based on A.S.H.
Environment
From manufacturing, to use to disposal.. what’s the truth behind vaping and its affect on the environment?
Yes. Specifically, but not exclusively, single-use / disposable vapes. Single-use vapes are detrimental to the environment due to several reasons. They contribute to litter and plastic waste, becoming an eyesore in public spaces and potentially lasting in the environment for years. They also pose a fire risk, especially when improperly discarded in general waste. The production of these devices involves the use of resources and energy, further adding to their environmental footprint.
The rise in vaping indicates a more daunting environmental challenge on the horizon. According to Clean Up Australia, e-cigarettes seem to pose a greater environmental risk than traditional cigarette butts. They represent a threefold environmental hazard: contributing to plastic waste, electronic waste, and hazardous waste.
The ecological footprint of vapes extends beyond just their batteries. These devices also incorporate plastics, which can take up to 1000 years to break down. Typically, a disposable vape lasts a day for most users, which, when compared to rechargeable batteries that can last between six months to a year, is significantly more detrimental to the environment.
Vape pens, whether single-use or not, should never be discarded in household waste or recycling bins. Instead, they should be taken to a local electronic recycling centre for proper disposal. Improperly discarded vapes not only harm the environment but also contribute to an increasing number of fires at waste disposal centres.