Smoke & mirrors of vaping craze: Pulmonary and critical care specialist flags dangers of e-cigarettes - The Tribune
Summary
As brightly coloured vapes flood social media and college campuses, health experts warn they are far from harmless. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping actually releases aerosol containing nicotine, toxic chemicals, heavy metals like lead and nickel, and cancer-causing compounds such as formaldehyde. These substances can seriously damage lung tissue and other organs over time. One major concern is nicotine addiction, with products containing levels equal to or higher than traditional cigarettes, which is especially harmful to adolescents as it can interfere with brain development. Health professionals also debunk the myth that passive vaping is harmless, noting that second-hand exposure can cause respiratory problems. Another growing concern is EVALI, a potentially fatal inflammatory lung disease linked to harmful additives like vitamin E acetate, often requiring hospitalization. Experts warn that vaping can worsen chronic illnesses and that many users become "dual users" who continue smoking cigarettes alongside vaping. Ultimately, the safest choice remains clear: people who do not smoke should never start vaping, and those trying to quit tobacco should rely on medically approved cessation methods.
(Source:The Tribune)