E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are still relatively new inventions, yet they have already managed to take the world by storm. In just a short period, e-cigarettes have become one of the most popular methods of nicotine consumption, particularly among young people.
This is likely due to the fact that e-cigarettes are often marketed as the new, safe alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, the long-term effects of e-cigarette use are still unknown, and there is an ongoing debate about whether or not they are safe.
Below, you will find a short overview of the current research on e-cigarette impact on human health, the basics of how e-cigarettes work and the risks and opportunities they present.
Table of Contents
What Are E-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid (e-juice or e-liquid) to produce vapour. E-juices typically contain nicotine, the amount of which can vary greatly, from none at all to levels that are comparable to or even higher than those found in tobacco cigarettes. For example, Hangsen e-liquids vary from 0 mg to 18 mg of nicotine.
This stems from the fact that the first e-cigarette was invented as a means of helping people quit smoking tobacco cigarettes by providing them with a less harmful alternative. However, as e-cigarettes have become more popular, they have shifted how they are marketed and used.
Nowadays, e-cigarettes are often promoted as a recreational product rather than a quitting aid, and many people use them without ever intending to give up nicotine altogether.
How Do E-cigarettes Work?
E-cigarettes work by heating the e-liquid to temperatures nearing its boiling point, typically between 180-240 °C (356-464 °F). When this happens, the liquid evaporates, letting off a vapour that can be inhaled. This vapour contains nicotine (if present in the e-liquid) and other substances produced by the heating process.
The e-liquid is typically held in a cartridge or “pod”, which is attached to the heating element (known as an atomizer). Once the cartridge is empty, it can be replaced with a new one. Some e-cigarettes allow the user to refill the cartridge with their own e-liquid, while others are disposable and must be thrown away once finished.
What Substances are Found in E-liquids?
This is where things get a bit complicated, as the composition of e-liquids can vary greatly. In general, e-liquids contain three main groups of substances:
● Nicotine
● Propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG) – these are used as “carriers” or “diluents”, meaning they help to dissolve the nicotine and carry it into the vapour.
● Flavouring agents – these give the e-liquid its taste and smell.
Each of these groups of substances can be present in varying amounts and the ratio of one to the others will affect the properties of the vapor, as well as the taste, smell, and “throat hit” (the sensation in the back of the throat when inhaling nicotine).
In addition to these three substances, e-liquids may also contain other chemicals, such as metals, impurities, and contaminants.
Risks Associated With E-cigarette Use
There is currently a great deal of debate surrounding the risks associated with e-cigarette use. It comes down to two main issues: the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are still unknown, and the composition of e-liquids can vary greatly, making it difficult to assess the risks.
However, there are a few potential risks that have been identified:
Nicotine Addiction
A typical conventional cigarette contains about 10-12 mg of nicotine, a part of which is burned up when the tobacco is smoked. In contrast, the nicotine content of e-liquids obtained legally can go up to 20 mg, meaning that a single cartridge can contain as much nicotine as a whole packet of cigarettes.
At the same time, vapes tend to be more effective at delivering nicotine to the user, as the vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs and is absorbed more quickly than smoke. This means that people who use e-cigarettes can end up taking in higher levels of nicotine than they would from smoking tobacco cigarettes.
This, in turn, poses a much greater risk of developing nicotine dependence. Nicotine is a very potent stimulant, meaning that it triggers the release of dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, in the brain. The withdrawal symptoms of nicotine addiction can be just as severe as those of other drugs, such as alcohol and heroin.
Ultrafine Substances
The issue with nicotine is relatively well understood, but the other substances found in e-liquids are less well researched. In particular, there is some concern over the potential health effects of e-juice vapour, as it contains ultrafine particles (UFPs).
These particles are smaller than 100 nm in diameter, making them small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Once in the bloodstream, UFPs have been linked to a number of negative health effects, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Another potential risk associated with e-cigarette use is exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that are released into the air when certain materials are heated and they can have a range of negative health effects, including eye and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea.
VOCs have also been linked to cancer, although the evidence for this is not as strong as for other health effects. High concentrations of VOCs in enclosed indoor spaces can increase the risk of adverse health effects, especially for people with existing respiratory problems.
Heavy Metals
E-liquids may also contain traces of heavy metals, such as lead, tin, and nickel. It is difficult to precisely assess the levels of these metals, as they can vary depending on the composition of the e-liquid, as well as the device itself.
However, studies have found that some e-cigarettes can release high levels of these metals into the vapour, exposing the user to toxic elements that could potentially cause a range of health problems.
Contaminants
While e-liquids can be considered free from bio-contaminants (such as bacteria and viruses), there is a possibility that they can become contaminated after injecting or mixing. This is particularly likely if the e-liquid is not stored correctly or if it comes into contact with other substances, such as skin or clothing.
The effects cannot be predicted given the amount of variation possible, however, the effects of mould or bacteria entering the pulmonary system are not likely to be positive.
Second-Hand Vaping
In addition to the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use, there is also the issue of “second-hand” vaping. This refers to the exposure of non-users to e-cigarette vapour and, while the levels of nicotine and other substances found in second-hand vapour are generally much lower than those found in tobacco smoke, there is still some concern over the potential risks.
These include exposure to ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds, which are exhaled along with the vapour. In addition, second-hand vaping can also lead to the “contamination” of surfaces and clothing with vaporized e-liquid, which could then be inhaled by other people.
Is Vaping Truly an Alternative to Smoking?
E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safe alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes, but the long-term effects of e-cigarette use are still unknown. There is also a great deal of variation in the composition of e-liquids, making it difficult to assess the risks.
The general consensus is that e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, but this does not mean that they are completely safe. Furthermore, switching from conventional cigarettes to e-cigarettes exposes the user to a new set of potential risks, which may not be immediately apparent.
To Sum Up
E-cigarettes are still a relatively new invention and the long-term effects of their use are not yet fully understood. However, there are a number of potential risks associated with e-cigarette use, including nicotine addiction, exposure to ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds, and contamination with heavy metals and other contaminants.
At the same time, it is important to remember that the risks associated with e-cigarette use are largely much lower than those associated with smoking tobacco cigarettes. This is due to the fact that e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco and do not produce tar or other harmful chemicals when used. Still more research is needed to assess the risks and benefits of this new technology.
