Vapes are electronic cigarettes that mimic the smoking experience. They consist of a battery, an atomizer and a container. In order to use vapes, the user inhales the vapor. People who use these devices are often called “vapers.” However, it is important to be aware of the health risks associated with these devices.
Nicotine
The nicotine level in vape juice varies greatly depending on the brand. Some brands produce nicotine-free vape juices while others fortify their cartridges with up to 50 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter. Regular smokers prefer nicotine levels between three and 15 milligrams per milliliter. Smokers with a higher daily tolerance may want to try a vape juice with a higher nicotine content.
While nicotine levels are not as harmful as they used to be, pregnant women should be aware that vaping can contain high amounts of nicotine. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using nicotine-containing vape juices. These liquids contain nicotine, which can affect the prenatal development of the unborn child.
Other chemicals in vapes
While nicotine is the most common contaminant in vapes, other chemicals in these products can be dangerous. For example, trans-cinnamaldehyde is a respiratory irritant that may impair the function of nicotine receptors in the human body. It also inhibits the activity of CYP2A6 enzyme, which is involved in the metabolization of drugs, in the human body. These chemicals can harm the body’s lungs and can lead to EVALI, or E-cigarette-associated lung injury.
In addition to causing lung cancer, other chemicals in vapes can cause other problems. Some of these chemicals are known to increase heart rate, blood pressure, and risk of heart attacks and stroke. Others may have negative effects on the immune system, including the ability to fight infection.
Second-hand vapour from e-cigarettes
E-cigarettes emit an aerosol that can affect health. The vapor is made up of nicotine and ultra-fine particles. These particles contain low levels of toxins, but they can still cause problems. These chemicals are known to cause cancer and worsen the symptoms of asthma, so it’s important to take precautions and avoid using e-cigarettes around people with respiratory conditions.
The risk of health problems associated with second-hand smoke is greatest for young children and babies. Nicotine is known to be harmful to children, and even women who are not smoking can pass the chemicals to their child through their breast milk. Second-hand vapour from e-cigs is less well studied, but it can contain harmful chemicals.
Health risks of vaping
While the health risks of vaping are not as serious as those associated with smoking cigarettes, some research suggests that vapes can have a negative impact on the lungs. This is because nicotine in vape juice can cause respiratory problems. In fact, a 2021 study linked e-cigarette use to an increased risk of asthma, coughing, and wheezing. In addition, vaping while pregnant may cause respiratory complications. The nicotine in vape products can cause damage to the developing baby’s brain and lungs. Moreover, the flavorings that are used in e-cigarettes can adversely affect the development of the baby.
Vape products release ultrafine particles that can get stuck in the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. This can cause breathing problems, eye irritation, and even lung cancer. These tiny particles can also contribute to cardiovascular problems. Moreover, a 2018 study found that most common flavors of e-cigarettes inhibited the development of nitric oxide, a compound that reduces inflammation and clotting in blood vessels. This loss of nitric oxide can lead to heart attacks.
Dangers of vaping while pregnant
Vaping while pregnant is highly risky, and it can cause preterm birth, stillbirth, and other birth defects. It can also result in reduced lung function in infants and young children. Vaping while pregnant also raises the risk of passing along secondhand smoke to the fetus, which can cause asthma. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and the nicotine in vape vapors can be passed down to the baby through breast milk.
To study the effects of vaping on pregnancy, researchers recruited women at NHS antenatal clinics across England and Scotland. They hung posters in clinics, and research midwives gave questionnaires to women. These women completed a screening questionnaire about vaping habits, and a more comprehensive baseline survey at the same time. Women were then asked to join a longitudinal cohort, and were contacted by email or mail for follow-up surveys.