The Synthetic Compounds in Your Vape May be Hazardous to Your Health

The Synthetic Compounds in Your Vape May be Hazardous to Your Health

Using an e-cigarette isn’t as healthy as many people think, even if you choose to vape natural substances rather than synthetic ones. Often, people assume that since e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco (or other carcinogens), they must be safer than conventional cigarettes or even regular vaping devices, but the truth isn’t so simple. Here are the facts about synthetic compounds in your e-cigarette and how they can affect your health over time.

What is vaping ?

If you’re a weighty smoker who wants to quit smoking and you’re

serious about your health, don’t start vaping. Vaping is very different 

than smoking a cigarette or a cigar. E-cigarettes—which are 

commonly known as vape pens or e-cigs—are packed with synthetic 

compounds that are extremely harmful for your body. Even worse, 

these addictive compounds are designed to get you hooked on 

nicotine faster.

Vaporizing vs. smoking

The long-term consequences of vaping are unclear, but many

 researchers suspect that any health benefits aren’t worth taking on 

what they see as an avoidable risk. While many smokers switch to 

vaping because it’s healthier than tobacco and quitting smoking 

altogether, scientists say that your best bet for improving your health 

is still through traditional methods: namely, quitting.

E-liquids and nicotine

The E-liquid used in electronic cigarettes is made up of several ingredients, including propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (used as a diluent), flavorings, nicotine and additives. Both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are certified safe for use by humans when ingested. Both have been shown not to cause cancer or adverse health effects when heated (though more research is needed) — however, more research does need to be done on their effects when vaporized.

Short-term health effects

Several key studies have shown that e-cigarette use

can cause short-term effects on things like lung function

and heart rate, so it’s important to know how your own body

reacts. If you experience any negative effects after using

one of these devices, stop vaping until you consult with a medical professional.

Long-term effects: While much less is known about long-term e-cigarette use,

early studies suggest these products may not be as safe as once believed.

Long-term effects

Most of us are aware of vaping’s short-term effects—the cracking lung

sensation and throat irritation, for example. But, what about long-term

effects? We don’t yet know how smoking e-cigarettes may affect our health

over a period of many years. Many e-cigarette ingredients are present in

everyday household items—which leads us to believe they may even cause cancer.

Possible Harmful Chemicals in E-Liquids

According to a report by Public Health England, e-liquids may contain harmful

levels of chemicals like diacetyl, a compound that is used for flavoring but

has been linked with serious lung problems. Vapers should also be aware of high

levels of vitamin A, which are present in some e-liquids as another flavor enhancer.

Long-term use of vitamin A can cause bone disorders and other health issues.

Nicotine Poisoning

The Truth About Nicotine Poisoning: Since many people smoke and vape in order

to quit smoking or reduce their cigarette intake, it’s important that you know

exactly how much nicotine is OK for your system. Because many vapes contain synthetic

compounds like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, a small amount of which can cause

serious health problems if exposed to too much heat, it’s incredibly easy for vape users

to fall victim to nicotine poisoning.

How Addictive Is Nicotine?

Nicotine is highly addictive. If you’re a smoker, you are probably well aware

of how addictive it can be. A study conducted by German researchers concluded

that smoking is twice as hard to quit than heroin addiction and harder than cocaine

or alcohol addiction. The healthiest vapes contain no nicotine, so even if you do crave

a little stimulation when you vape, switching over from cigarettes could save your life!

What Is In My Cartridge/Juice?

The answer, unfortunately, is that you have no idea what exactly is inside it.

While most vapes and eliquids are made up of three things—propylene glycol (PG),

vegetable glycerin (VG) and food-grade flavoring—vapers aren’t privy to what

percentage of each they contain.

Can I Ever Stop Using My E-Cigarette?

The short answer: No. But some vapes are healthier than others, and you may have more control

over your smoking habits than you think. Healthy alternatives include disposable vapes

(which are sealed and can’t be refilled), vape pens that don’t contain any nicotine, and herbal

vaporizers which do not include any synthetic compounds at all. Check out our roundup of items

that fit each category here!