Tessa Quinn
Vaping is the act of using a small, handheld device to inhale a mist of nicotine and flavoring (e-liquid). While many people view vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, it is not without its risks. There have been numerous cases of people, especially young adults, being hospitalized with severe breathing difficulties and other health issues linked to vaping. The long-term health effects of vaping are still unknown, but it is clear that it can cause serious harm to the lungs and other organs.
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What You'll Learn
Vaping-linked breathing problems
Vaping has been linked to a range of breathing problems and lung conditions. The vapor emitted from e-cigarettes contains harmful substances, including heavy metals and ultrafine toxic particles, which can be inhaled by both users and bystanders. While vaping is often considered safer than smoking cigarettes, it can still lead to significant health risks.
One of the well-known vaping-linked breathing problems is EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). EVALI is a severe lung condition that causes symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. In some cases, EVALI can even be fatal. The exact cause of EVALI is still unknown, but it is believed to be associated with vaping.
Another vaping-related lung condition is "popcorn lung," or bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). This condition is caused by inhaling diacetyl, a chemical commonly found in flavoured e-liquids. Diacetyl causes inflammation and scarring in the smallest branches of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Popcorn lung has no known cure, and the only treatment option is supportive care while the lungs heal.
Vaping has also been linked to an increased risk of collapsed lungs, especially in younger individuals. Medical professionals have observed a rise in collapsed lung cases among patients who vape, and it is believed that the introduction of chemicals through vaping may be a contributing factor. In some instances, oxygen treatment and rest may be sufficient for healing a collapsed lung, but more severe cases may require surgery.
Furthermore, vaping has been associated with cases of lipoid pneumonia, an inflammatory response in the lungs caused by inhaling oily substances present in e-liquids. While not directly treatable, the condition can be managed by identifying and eliminating the cause, which, in this case, would be vaping.
While the specific reasons behind these vaping-linked breathing problems are still being investigated, it is evident that vaping can have detrimental effects on respiratory health. It is crucial for individuals who experience any breathing difficulties, chest or lung pain, or other related symptoms to seek medical advice promptly.
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Vitamin E acetate in THC vaping products
Vaping has been linked to several cases of hospitalisation, with doctors reporting patients experiencing breathing problems and lung injuries. In 2019, 22 people were hospitalised with vaping-linked breathing problems. It was unclear what the patients had been inhaling or what type of devices they were using.
Vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent often used in THC vaping products, has been identified by the CDC as a chemical of concern among people with EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury). Vitamin E acetate was found in all lung fluid samples of EVALI patients examined by the CDC. The CDC is still trying to understand the mechanism by which vitamin E acetate injures lung tissue. It may interfere with a natural fluid in the lungs called surfactant, which helps make lung tissue stretchy, or a byproduct may be a toxic chemical.
Vitamin E acetate is sticky, giving it the ability to remain in the lungs. THC was also found in 82% of samples from 28 patients, which is notable because THC tends to leave the lungs quickly. The CDC has confirmed that vitamin E acetate, a THC additive, is the culprit in most vaping deaths. THC is an ingredient used in many vape products, and many patients experiencing vape-related complications have admitted to using THC-containing products in the past. The FDA has issued a public warning to stop using THC-containing vape products, as the compound may be contributing to lung illnesses related to vaping.
The Minnesota Department of Health has also found vitamin E acetate in illicit vaping products associated with a recent outbreak of severe lung injury cases in the state. The department issued an alert to healthcare providers in response to reports of suspected cases of severe lung injuries associated with vaping. Vitamin E acetate was found in all 11 products tested, which included some labelled Dank, Lion's Breath, and KRT.
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The dangers of secondhand vapour
Secondhand vape aerosol (the smoke from vaping) is a definite phenomenon, even if it smells like candy or fruit. While it is still unclear how harmful secondhand vaping is, we do know that it contains a number of harmful substances, including nicotine, ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and toxicants.
Research has shown that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand vape aerosol absorb similar levels of nicotine as people exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke. Along with nicotine, non-vapers are also exposed to ultrafine particles, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2017 study also found that even low concentrations of the components of vape aerosol can affect brain and lung development.
Vaping is particularly dangerous for teenagers, whose lungs are not fully developed, and children, due to their lower body weight and developing respiratory systems. In addition, exposure to secondhand vapour can be harmful to pregnant women, as nicotine exposure during pregnancy poses risks.
While the dangers of secondhand smoke from cigarettes are well-known, the effects of inhaling secondhand vapour are still being studied. However, recent studies suggest that secondhand vapour may harm respiratory health and is associated with an increased risk of bronchitis symptoms and shortness of breath.
Given the potential dangers of secondhand vapour, it is recommended to avoid exposure if possible, and for those who vape to do so away from non-vapers.
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Vaping as a nicotine addiction
Vaping has been linked to hospitalisations, with doctors reporting cases of severe breathing difficulties and lung damage in patients who vape. While the exact causes are still unknown, it is clear that vaping is harmful to the lungs. The liquid in vape pens or mods contains a mix of flavourings, additives, and nicotine or THC, which is heated and inhaled as vapour. This vapour contains a variety of dangerous substances and chemicals, which can cause an inflammatory response in the lungs.
Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking, and many people view it as a safer option. However, it is important to note that vaping is not risk-free. The nicotine in vape liquids is highly addictive and can lead to physical and mental health issues. Nicotine addiction can cause increased tiredness, stress, and anxiety, as well as impacting concentration and memory. It can also lead to more serious mood disorders such as depression. The addictive nature of nicotine is such that users can experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not satisfy their cravings.
Nicotine is the primary agent in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. Nicotine addiction can happen quickly, especially in young people, as their brains are still developing. The younger someone is when they start using nicotine products, the more likely they are to become addicted. Nicotine can change the way the brain works, causing strong cravings and withdrawal symptoms when nicotine is not present. This can be particularly dangerous for young people, as nicotine exposure during adolescence can disrupt normal brain development.
Vaping is a particular concern for young people, as it is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking and is easily accessible. The devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some of which can be disguised as pens or USB memory sticks. This makes it easier for young people to start vaping without fully understanding the risks and the potential for addiction.
While vaping may be a lower-risk alternative for adults who are already smoking cigarettes, it is not without its dangers. The long-term health effects of vaping are still being researched, but the short-term effects are already cause for concern. The highly addictive nature of nicotine means that vaping can quickly turn into an addiction, leading to negative consequences for physical and mental health.
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Vaping-related lung injuries
Vaping-associated pulmonary injury (VAPI), also called e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), is a severe pulmonary illness associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products. EVALI was officially identified in 2019 during an EVALI epidemic, with thousands of cases reported to the CDC in 2019 and 2020.
EVALI is a clinical diagnosis that requires the use of an e-cigarette in the 90 days preceding the appearance of initial symptoms, pulmonary infiltrates on a plain chest radiograph or chest CT, and the absence of any other possible etiology, such as infection. The pathology of the disease is still poorly understood, and the exact causes are still under investigation. However, vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent often used in THC vaping products, has been identified as a chemical of concern and was found in all lung fluid samples of EVALI patients examined by the CDC.
The use of THC-containing products more than five times daily has been associated with a higher risk of developing EVALI. Additionally, the toxicology of EVALI may be complicated, as the severe inflammatory response and edema may be a result of the pyrolysis products of vitamin E oil rather than the compound itself. Nevertheless, the focus on vitamin E acetate and related compounds as chemical instigators of the EVALI outbreak is reasonable.
The increasing use of electronic cigarettes and vaping products has raised concerns about their impact on smoke and tobacco-free policies, especially on hospital campuses. While regulations and policies regarding the use of e-cigarettes on hospital campuses vary, the majority of hospitals agree that e-cigarette use should be prohibited for staff, patients, and visitors.
The rise in vaping-related lung injuries underscores the need for further research and regulatory actions to address the health effects of EVALI and prevent similar instances of disease associated with e-cigarette or vaping product use. It also highlights the importance of public awareness about the potential dangers of vaping, and the need for individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, vaping is dangerous and can cause serious health problems, including life-threatening lung injuries. It can also lead to asthma, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
The symptoms of vaping-related illness, or EVALI, include shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of EVALI, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and may order a chest X-ray or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for EVALI typically involves medications to reduce inflammation in the lungs and respiratory support.
