E-cigarettes and vaping (electronic nicotine delivery systems) are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that users inhale. The liquid, also known as e-juice or vape juice, contains nicotine derived from tobacco, along with flavorings and chemicals such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. The device can be manufactured to look like conventional combusted cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Other devices, such as e-hookahs and vape pens, may resemble pens or USB flash drives. Some large devices, called tank systems or mods, have little or no resemblance to other tobacco products and can be made with reusable parts or disposable components.
Almost all e-cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. It can harm adolescent brain development, particularly in the areas that control attention, learning and mood. It can also harm the mouth and lungs. And it makes it more likely that teens who use e-cigarettes will smoke regular tobacco products in the future.
Many of the chemicals found in e-cigarette vapor are carcinogens and other harmful toxins, such as heavy metals that can cause lung disease. Inhaling these vapors can trigger respiratory illness, including asthma, and may cause other health problems, such as eye irritation and nosebleeds. Secondhand vapor can also affect the lung health of non-users. The long-term effects of e-cigarettes on the lungs are unknown, but they may include increased risk for disease and decreased lung function.
Nicotine can increase the appeal of other drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine. It can also impact the reward system in the brain and make it harder to resist urges. It can lead to drug addiction, which has been linked to depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. It can also be dangerous during pregnancy and for those who have asthma or other breathing problems.
E-cigarettes can also expose users to the byproducts of combustion, such as cancer-causing chemicals and ultrafine particles that can get deep into the lungs. In addition, the e-liquid can contain toxic substances, such as antifreeze ingredients (epoxylates and/or ethylene glycol) and aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This best cbd store loganville ga can tell you more on this as they are professionals.
In addition, the e-cigarette battery can overheat and explode, which can cause burns or lung injuries.
A new trend among some teen vapers is “dripping.” In this practice, teens put e-liquid drops directly on the heated coils of an atomizer to produce thicker vapor. Some of these drops contain chemicals and flavorings that are not listed on the package or label. More research is needed on this practice, but it is a concern because of the potential for harm to health and the environment.
Talk with your kids about the risks of e-cigarettes and vaping. Help them to choose a day to quit, and encourage them to tell supportive friends and family. They can keep a journal of reasons why they want to quit and read it when they are feeling tempted. They can also use sugar-free gum or lollipops to help with cravings.