#HealthBytes: Here's why E-cigarettes are more harmful than you think
What's the story
In the past decade or so, E-cigarettes have taken the Western world by storm, in particular- the teenagers and young adults. And quite recently, the trend has caught wind among Indian youths as well. At times vaping is seen as an alternate method for quitting cigarette-smoking, but that doesn't make it a philosopher's stone. Here's why e-cigarettes could be more harmful than you think.
Information
First off, what are e-cigarettes?
An e-cigarette is a portable, handheld, electronic device that gives user the feeling of tobacco smoking through the smoke it creates by heating the chemical liquids present in it, which may or may not contain nicotine.
New addiction?
Vaping is the new smoking
Quitting an addiction is a great idea and you deserve a pat on the back for contemplating it. But starting a new addiction (even if in the form of an electronic, chargeable 'smoking' device), to let go of an existing one, is plain stupidity. What's more? In recent times, many non-smoking teenagers and youths, globally, have made vaping their addiction. Ironical much?
Cancer
The toxic compounds in e-cigarettes may lead to cancer
Limited yet substantial evidence concerning e-cigarettes suggests that the toxic substances in their liquid might increase a user's risk of developing cancer. It says that these harmful compounds could result in increase in heart rate owing to the presence of nicotine, and that chemicals in e-cigarettes' aerosols may lead to DNA damage and mutagenesis. So, teenagers, if you find cancer exciting, keep vaping!
Respiratory health
Because electronic smoking is, after all, smoking
Long-term vaping among teens and young adults could lead to increased coughing and wheezing among them, and may also worsen asthma symptoms. Additionally, presence of ultra-fine particles, flavorants, and even metals, could damage lung cells, and lead to several respiratory health issues. Further, latest study findings suggest that vaping can damage vital immune-system cells. Those vape-shots on your Facebook aren't that cool, are they?