As of October 1, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 805 vaping-related lung injury cases from across the nation. Twelve vaping-related deaths have been confirmed in 10 states.
With these numbers making headlines, one question seems to be on everyone’s mind: Is vaping safe?
Questions About Vaping Illnesses Remain
The current lung disease outbreak has prompted the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate what’s behind these severe illnesses.
The agencies have focused on ingredients or contaminants found in some vaping products that could be harmful. Those ingredients include THC (the mind-altering substance in marijuana), vitamin E acetate, nicotine, pesticides and opioids. But to date, the agencies have found no single ingredient that was present in every one of the vaping devices those sickened by vaping used.
With no clear answers, the CDC and FDA have the following recommendations for people who vape:
- Avoid using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping products, especially if they contain THC.
- If you do use vaping products, buy them from reputable retailers, not off the street.
- See a health care provider if you vape and show one or more of these symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever or abdominal pain.
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Vaping and Health Risks
The popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping has outpaced regulators’ ability to monitor their safety. As scientific researchers conduct studies, they are beginning to learn about the many potential health risks of vaping.
Many of the aerosols or “vapors” that people inhale from e-cigarettes and other vaping devices contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug that increases blood pressure and heart rate. Nicotine can affect brain development in people under age 25. Because of that, vaping is not safe for teenagers, young adults and pregnant women, according to the National Cancer Institute’s Smokefree.gov website.
Other dangerous ingredients have also been found in vaping aerosols, including:
- Cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde
- Heavy metals, such as lead, tin and nickel
- Flavorings, including diacetyl, that may cause lung disease
Vaping May Not Help You Quit Smoking
The National Cancer Institute notes that there is no hard evidence that e-cigarettes can help you quit smoking.
People who want to quit smoking or using tobacco products should use FDA-approved methods, such as nicotine gum, patches and inhalers. Counseling, therapy and other medications may also help. You can also get help quitting smoking at Beaufort Memorial through programs such as the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program.
Read More: Two Reasons to Quit Smoking
While more research into the health effects of vaping is needed, choosing not to vape is a healthier choice than picking up the habit, even if you’re trying to quit smoking.
Trying to quit smoking or vaping?
A Beaufort Memorial primary care provider can be a powerful ally.