A e-cigarette is an electronic device that heats liquid to create breathable particles (aerosol, also known as “vapor”) for you to breathe in. E-cigarettes are also called vape pens, vaporizers, e-hookahs, e-hookah sticks and mods, and are collectively referred to as electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS. E-cigarettes and e-liquids contain nicotine, additives, flavourings and chemicals that can be harmful to your health. E-cigarettes also have parts that can break or malfunction and can cause injuries if you inhale broken pieces.
E-cigarettes come in a variety of styles and sizes, and can look very similar to regular cigarettes. They have a heating element, a battery to power the heating element, and a mouthpiece for you to breath in the vapor. Some e-cigarettes can be refilled with a cartridge or tank, and others can hold preloaded cartridges. Some have a screen that shows you how much vapor is left, while others do not.
The vapor from an e-cigarette contains tiny particles of the chemical nicotine, which is addictive and can lead to health problems when used regularly. These include heart disease, lung damage, and an increased risk of other serious diseases.
Many people use e-cigarettes in an attempt to quit smoking. However, there is no evidence that vaping can help you quit smoking. It’s important to talk with your doctor or mental health provider before trying to quit smoking using an e-cigarette. They can offer you tips, support and other resources to help you quit.
Researchers are working hard to learn more about the safety of e-cigarettes and their ingredients. This information can help inform future policies and regulations around e-cigarettes and their use.
There are no known safe levels of nicotine for adults, and the risks increase with higher use. E-cigarettes also expose users to other harmful chemicals and heavy metals.
A study found that some e-cigarette flavouring chemicals, such as acetoin, diacetyl, maltol, and coumarin, caused cytotoxicity to human airway epithelial cells when inhaled for 24 hours at high concentrations. Another study found that e-cigarette aerosols and cartomizer fluids containing glycerol, which is the main ingredient in many commercial e-liquids, can cause lung inflammation and fibrosis.
The lungs can become damaged due to repeated vaping and the nicotine in e-cigarettes can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which can lead to an overdose of nicotine. Nicotine can also damage the tubes that carry oxygen in and out of the lungs, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory conditions. This is particularly true for youth and young adults, as their lungs are still developing. 電子煙