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Vaping, the act of inhaling aerosol from e-cigarettes or vape pens, inhaling any type of aerosol is extremely serious, society needs to consider the fact they’re inhaling unregulated toxins, exposing themselves to lethal compounds, it’s not too distant from inhaling aerosol cans, paint or any other type of aerosol.
In the 1970s and early 1980s inhaling reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Many may remember the homeless with silver paint around their mouth from inhaling paint fumes from a plastic bag. They weren’t always homeless, many of them were mothers and fathers who didn’t think inhaling was a problem – until it was.
Although vaping is frequently promoted as a less harmful option to traditional smoking, there are drawbacks. Both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive leading to dependence. Research suggests that nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Additionally, vaping can have health risks comparable to those of traditional cigarettes, including nicotine addiction.
National Institutes of Health stated vaping is addictive because most e-cigarette liquids contain nicotine, which can lead to physical dependence and greatly increase the risk of serious disease.
In addition to the toxic chemicals that are unregulated exposing the lungs to a variety of chemicals known to cause cancer such as formaldehyde, acetone (found in nail polish remover), acetaldehyde (used in chemicals, perfumes and plastics), acrolein (found in weed killer), heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead. Vapes can also contain propylene glycol (a solvent used in fog and smoke machines) polyester compounds, and anti-freeze (used in the coolant of a car).
The chemicals in vapes have not been tested for safety, including those that add flavor. Every time a person ingests one of these products, they are taking a dangerous risk.
These products specifically attract youth, as they may have a fun or novel appearance and are easy to conceal. In 2024, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the United States.
In December 2018, the then-U.S. Surgeon General declared youth vaping an epidemic. 1.6 million middle and high school students nationwide (5.9%), including 410,000 as young as 11-14 years old (3.5%), are using these products. 63.9% of students who currently use e-cigarettes reported wanting to quit.
Treatment options typically involve behavioral therapy and support groups to help individuals overcome their addiction, one teaspoon of liquid nicotine refill is enough to cause permanent damage or even death.
If you’re looking for help, call Nicotine Anonymous at 469-737-9304 .
Dr. Herb Clark of Murphy is an expert in the field of addiction with 33 years of experience. He served on the N.C. Professional Practice board, adjunct professor for two universities and was a U.S. Marine serving 25 years, through two wars and three conflicts traveling the world, seeing the effects of addiction firsthand worldwide. Send questions or comments to him at hypno321@hotmail.com.