This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:
“I heard that electronic cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes”
“I’m wondering whether to use VAPE to quit smoking”
――There are many people like that.
In fact, although electronic cigarettes work differently than traditional cigarettes, the latest medical research has revealed that they pose health risks that cannot be called “safe.”
Author
“It’s a bit dangerous to make decisions based solely on the image of ‘safety because there’s no smoke’🌿”
In this article,
✔ What is an electronic cigarette?
✔ How much impact does it have on health?
✔ Risks to the lungs and heart found in the latest research
✔ Effects on young people, pregnant women, and those around you
✔ Safety precautions
etc. in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.
✔ What is an electronic cigarette (VAPE)?
An electronic cigarette (VAPE) is a device that inhales the mist (vapor) created by heating a liquid.
There are different types, including nicotine-containing and flavor only (non-nicotine).
Compared to cigarettes
- Steam, not smoke
- No tar or carbon monoxide
It is sometimes said that it is “less harmful” because of its characteristics.
However, the current state of medicine is that it cannot be said to be safe.
✔ Why e-cigarettes aren’t “completely safe”
📌 ① Effects of nicotine on health
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine.
Nicotine is
- Highly dependent
- Influences heart rate and blood pressure
- Young people whose brains are still developing are especially at risk
- During pregnancy, there may be an effect on the fetus
The risk is known.
Even if it is said to be “safe,” nicotine itself is still a dangerous substance that has negative effects on health.
Author
“Even types that do not contain nicotine are at risk. Many of them have unanalyzed ingredients…”
📌 ② Inhaled vapor (aerosol) contains harmful substances
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
E-cigarette vapor may contain harmful or potentially harmful substances, including:
- Carcinogenic chemicals
- Heavy metals such as lead and nickel
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Substances contained in some flavors (possibly affecting the lungs)
These are believed to have a tendency to penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled and can pose long-term health risks.
✔ Latest research shows health concerns
🫁 1. Effects on the lungs (inflammatory diseases such as COPD)
A large-scale analysis shows that even people who exclusively use e-cigarettes are at increased risk of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
This suggests that the particulate matter and chemicals contained in e-cigarette vapor may put a strain on the respiratory system.
Author
“COPD is often thought of as a disease that only affects smokers, but there are studies that show a link to e-cigarettes as well.”
❤️ 2. Effects on the cardiovascular system
Some research shows that e-cigarette vapor can reduce blood vessel function.
If blood vessels do not function properly,
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Can also lead to arteriosclerosis
It has been pointed out that it may increase cardiovascular risk.
🔬 3. Possible carcinogenicity
E-cigarette vapor contains chemicals that are produced when heated, and there are reports that some may contain carcinogens.
In other words, it is still not completely clear what will happen if you continue to smoke for many years, but
it is not something you can rest assured about.
✔ Risk to young people, pregnant women, and passive inhalers
✔ Young people’s brains are in the developing stage, and nicotine has a negative impact on this process
✔ There are concerns about the effects on the fetus if used by pregnant women
✔ Passive inhalation (people breathing in the vapor) also poses health risks
This risk has also been pointed out by international health organizations.
Especially Use by young people is being discussed as a serious problem, and stronger regulations and education are required.
Author
“We are concerned about the effects not only on adults, but also on children and pregnant women.”
✔ Misconception that “Is it safer than cigarettes?”
Certainly in multiple reviews
- Less than the amount of harmful substances contained in cigarette smoke
- Some toxicity is lower than that of combustible tobacco
.
But this:
Doesn’t mean “safe”
You need to be careful.
That is,
✔ Contains fewer harmful substances than cigarettes
✔ But not without health risks
It is important to understand this.
The image that “less = safer” can easily lead to misunderstandings.
✔ About passive inhalation (effect on surroundings)
Although e-cigarette vapor is different from smoke, it can also affect those around you.
Since vapor may contain nicotine and other chemicals,
the effects on people with weakened immune systems, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, cannot be ignored.
Author
“It’s not just ‘just because it’s not smoke, it’s okay’; you also need to be careful with steam.”
✔ Notes for consumers regarding safety
✔ Do not use by minors or especially young people
✔ Avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding
✔ Do not use indoors with other people around
✔ Avoid nicotine dependence
✔ If you want to quit smoking, consult a medical institution or specialist
This idea is important in reducing health risks.
✔ Summary｜Are e-cigarettes bad for your health?
Electronic cigarettes (VAPE) are
✔ May contain fewer harmful substances than cigarettes
✔ But they have not been proven to be “safe”
✔ Long-term use has shown risks to the lungs, heart, and blood vessels
✔ There are also risks for young people, pregnant women, and those around them
The latest research status.
Although it cannot be said that the safety is low, the risks vary greatly depending on the usage and situation.
Author
“It is important to know exactly what kind of substance you are smoking, not just to feel safe because there is no smoke.”
- Is waking up in the morning a sign of depression? ｜Deep relationship between early morning awakening and depression/stress
- Causes of sensitivity to cold and measures you can take from today | How to improve coldness in your hands and feet
- How to deal with strained lower back | Correct actions to take when you feel sudden lower back pain
- Is waking up in a dream due to poor sleep quality? ｜Easy explanation of causes, relationship with physical condition, and tips for improvement
- Are naps good for your health? ｜Effects of proper napping and bad habits that have the opposite effect
