Hailey Tran
Vaping is a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, but it is not without its risks. In 2019, 22 people were hospitalized with vaping-linked breathing problems, and by February 2020, the CDC had recorded over 2800 hospitalizations due to vaping-related lung injuries, with 68 resulting in death. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, but emerging data suggests links to chronic lung disease, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. The aerosol produced by vaping devices contains heavy metals and ultrafine toxic particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, and the vapor emitted when someone exhales contains various dangerous substances. While vaping may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, it is still potentially dangerous, especially for young people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people hospitalized with vaping-linked breathing problems | 22 |
| Percentage of e-cigarette exposure cases that resulted in hospital admission | 0.6% |
| Number of e-cigarette exposure cases requiring treatment at a healthcare facility | 582 |
| Number of hospitalizations due to EVALI by February 2020 | Over 2800 |
| Number of deaths caused by EVALI by February 2020 | 68 |
| Percentage of EVALI patients who used THC-containing e-cigarettes obtained from "informal sources" | 80% |
| Percentage of E-cigarette users who vape daily | Up to 20% |
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What You'll Learn
E-cigarette exposure cases
The most commonly reported brand was Elf Bar (60.8%), a disposable e-cigarette with various flavour options. Monthly cases involving Elf Bar increased from two in April 2022 to 36 in March 2023. Notably, over 90% of Elf Bar exposures affected children under five years old. This data underscores the critical importance of continued surveillance to prevent poisoning exposure associated with e-cigarettes, especially among young children.
In another instance, 22 people, many of whom were young adults, experienced vaping-linked breathing problems and were hospitalized in the Midwest. The specific substances inhaled and the types of devices used remain unclear. However, some patients reported using e-cigarette devices to inhale both nicotine and THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
The long-term health effects of vaping are still unknown, and the chemicals in e-cigarettes are yet to be fully understood. However, it is clear that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health issues. For example, diacetyl, a flavouring agent, can cause inflammation and permanent scarring in the airways, resulting in "popcorn lung" and making breathing difficult.
Additionally, the CDC has identified vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent often found in THC vaping products, as a chemical of concern in EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping product use-associated lung injury) cases. By February 2020, the CDC had recorded over 2800 hospitalizations and 68 deaths due to EVALI.
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Respiratory issues
Vaping has been linked to several respiratory issues. Firstly, vaping is associated with an increased risk of collapsed lungs, particularly in tall, thin people who experienced rapid growth during adolescence. This is because vaping can cause blisters to burst at the top of the lungs, leading to lung collapse.
Secondly, vaping has been linked to severe breathing difficulties and lung distress, with several cases of hospitalisation and even medically induced comas. Doctors are unsure of the exact cause but suspect it may be due to contamination of the devices or e-liquids. There is also a concern that vaping may compound respiratory problems associated with COVID-19.
Thirdly, vaping has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, as the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains harmful substances that can be inhaled by both the user and bystanders. These harmful substances include heavy metals and ultrafine toxic particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Finally, vaping has been linked to "popcorn lung", a type of inflammation in the lungs that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. While the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown, it is clear that it can lead to serious respiratory issues for some individuals.
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Popcorn lung
In 2019, 22 people were hospitalized with vaping-linked breathing problems. However, the exact cause was not determined. Doctors were unsure about what the patients had been inhaling or the type of devices used.
The name "popcorn lung" originated around the year 2000 when popcorn factory workers in the USA developed the condition due to exposure to diacetyl, a buttery-flavored chemical added to microwave popcorn. Diacetyl was also found in many e-cigarette flavors, leading to concerns about the potential risk of popcorn lung in e-cigarette users.
Diacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquids to enhance the taste. When inhaled, it can cause inflammation and permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways, leading to popcorn lung. While there have been no confirmed cases of popcorn lung directly linked to e-cigarettes, the presence of diacetyl and similar chemicals in vaping products raises concerns about their potential impact on respiratory health.
The long-term effects of vaping on the lungs are still unknown, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact of e-cigarettes on lung health. However, it is clear that vaping is harmful to the lungs and can lead to various lung diseases and conditions, including an increased risk of collapsed lungs, especially in younger people.
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E-cigarette use-associated lung injury (EVALI)
The primary risk factor for EVALI is the current or previous use of a vaping device, especially those containing THC. Vitamin E acetate, a chemical added to some THC-containing vaping products, is considered the main cause of EVALI. However, other chemicals found in nicotine- and THC-containing products may also contribute to the condition. Symptoms of EVALI include shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and chest pain.
Diagnosing EVALI can be challenging as its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, and there is no single test for it. Doctors typically ask patients about their use of e-cigarettes and whether they vaped a product containing nicotine, THC, or both. A physical examination includes listening to the lungs, checking the heart rate, and measuring blood oxygen saturation. A chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan is usually necessary and will show hazy spots in the lungs.
Treatment for EVALI includes corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation, supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, and antivirals. While there has been a substantial drop in EVALI cases since they peaked in 2020, the CDC recommends reporting all cases to state or local health departments. Healthcare providers should educate patients, especially teenagers, about the dangers of e-cigarette use, as it is linked to various lung injuries and conditions.
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Unknown chemicals
While the exact number of people hospitalized due to vaping is unclear, e-cigarettes have been linked to various health issues and have the potential to cause poisoning exposure. In one report, 22 people were hospitalized with vaping-linked breathing problems, but doctors could not determine the specific cause.
The dangers of vaping lie in the thousands of unknown chemicals and substances that vapers inhale. A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers revealed the presence of thousands of unidentified chemicals and substances in vaping liquids and aerosols, which manufacturers do not disclose. These include industrial chemicals, pesticides, and a stimulant like caffeine. The health risks associated with these chemicals are yet to be fully understood, but they could have adverse effects.
The practice of vaping involves heating a liquid, known as vape juice or e-liquid, and inhaling the resulting vapor. While some of these liquids are labeled as "nicotine-free," they may still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Nicotine can impact heart function, increase anxiety and depression, and negatively affect brain development, especially in those under 25.
The flavorings in vape juices are another cause for concern. These flavorings may be safe to consume orally but can have different effects when inhaled. For example, diacetyl, often added to enhance flavor, can cause inflammation and lead to permanent scarring in the airways, resulting in breathing difficulties. Additionally, the sweet and fruity flavors in vape juices are created using harmful toxins also found in products like nail polish remover, weed killer, cleaning agents, and bug spray. These toxins include formaldehyde, which can cause permanent lung damage and cancer, and acrolein, found in insecticides, which can damage the lining of the lungs and irritate the nose.
The marketing of vaping products as a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes is misleading. While vaping may reduce exposure to certain cigarette contaminants, the long-term effects of inhaling the complex mixture of chemicals in vape aerosols are still unknown and could pose significant health risks, especially to young people.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to say exactly how many people have been hospitalized due to vaping, but there have been several reports of people being hospitalized with vaping-linked breathing problems. In 2019, almost two dozen people in the Midwest were hospitalized. By February 2020, the CDC had recorded over 2800 hospitalizations due to EVALI (E-cigarette, or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) along with 68 deaths caused by the condition.
Vaping is associated with a range of health risks, including an increased risk of collapsed lungs, especially in younger people. It is also linked to chronic lung disease, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. The vapor emitted from e-cigarettes contains a variety of dangerous substances, and the long-term effects of vaping are still unknown.
The symptoms of EVALI include a host of respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. It can be difficult to diagnose EVALI as the symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses, but it typically involves respiratory support and medication to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
There are thousands of chemical ingredients in vape products, many of which are unidentified. Some of the harmful substances that have been identified include diacetyl, which can cause popcorn lung; vitamin E acetate, which is linked to EVALI; caffeine; pesticides; and flavorings with possible toxic effects.
While e-cigarettes may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they are still potentially dangerous to your health. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, whereas the exact number and effects of the chemicals in e-cigarettes are still unknown.
