Many people mistakenly believe that vaping is safe. They may use a vape to wean themselves from traditional cigarettes. But nicotine is an addictive ingredient used in both products.
Vaping does not involve some of the more caustic additives of cigarettes or cigars, yet other risks are associated with vaping. How risky is it? What are the drawbacks? What are the short- and long-term health risks?
What are the known risks of vaping?
The U.S. Surgeon General goes into detail, discussing the currently known risks of vaping. First, vapers still inhale ultrafine particles. These particles can cause lung damage leading to chronic lung disease. Second, vaping products still contain heavy metals. Tin, nickel and lead are a few of them. Third, some flavorants have known negative health impacts. Diacetyl is a popular one, and it causes the illness known as “popcorn lung.”
What about vaping device explosions?
Unfortunately, the dangers are not limited to what a vaper inhales. NBC News reports that vaping devices may also explode. Vapers may face catastrophic burn damage if the vape battery erupts. Their hands and face are most likely to be injured. Sadly, a person may suffer second- and third-degree burns. In some cases, clothing may also catch fire.
Due to the use of unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarette products, including fruit and mint flavors, it can be hard to keep track of exactly how many defective product issues have happened. But as the prevalence of vaping grows, so too does the number of injuries. It is important to keep this in mind when choosing to vape.