An e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to create an aerosol that is inhaled.
Also known as vapes, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
Often marketed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, with the idea that they may be less harmful due to the lack of combustion (burning tobacco). However, the long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are still being studied, and there are concerns about the potential risks, especially regarding nicotine addiction and lung health.
Different types of e-cigarettes
There are many types of e-cigarettes, including disposable devices, refillable devices, and devices with pre-filled cartridges or pods.
- Disposable e-cigarettes come pre-filled and may be rechargeable. They are not designed to be refilled.
- Refillable e-cigarettes are rechargeable and have a tank or chamber that is filled with e-liquid. Some refillable devices can be modified to change the amount of aerosol produced or the strength of the delivered substance.
- E-cigarettes with a pre-filled cartridge or pod are rechargeable and intended for reuse.
- Some e-cigarettes look like USB flash drives, pens, smartphones, highlighters, toys, and other types of products.
- Some e-cigarettes have features similar to those found in smartphones. These so-called “smart vapes” have digital display screens and can include games and reward systems for vaping, such as points and rankings. These features may make the products even more appealing to youth.
- E-cigarettes are sometimes called e-cigs, vapes, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Youth may use different terms for vapes or refer to them by their brand names.The liquid in e-cigarettes is sometimes called e-juice, e-liquid, vape juice, or vape liquid
Vaping
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol, often referred to as “vapor,” which is produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device.
These devices heat a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, turning it into vapor.
Vaping is often seen as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, though it is not without health risks, especially due to the chemicals in the vapor.
Vape devices and components
•Electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, or eGo
•E-hookahs or hookah pens
•JUULs, after the top-selling closed pod-based device that looks like a USB flash drive instead of a traditional cigarette or writing pen
•Mods, which are larger open-system devices that are refillable and produce more vapor
•Personal vaporizers or PVs
•Vapes, vape pens, or vape sticks
Some vape devices are known as ENDS or electronic nicotine delivery systems.
The liquid that produces vapor comes in a pod or cartridge and may be called:
•E-juice or e-liquid
•Juice or smoke juice
Vaping VS Smoking
The main difference between vaping and smoking lies in what is being inhaled and how it is produced. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
1. What’s Being Inhaled:
•Smoking involves inhaling combustion products from burning tobacco (in cigarettes, cigars, etc.), which release tar, carbon monoxide, and thousands of harmful chemicals. These substances can cause a variety of health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
•Vaping involves inhaling vapor from an e-cigarette or similar device. This vapor is produced by heating a liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Importantly, vaping doesn’t involve combustion, so it doesn’t produce tar or carbon monoxide.
2. Nicotine Delivery :-
•Smoking delivers nicotine through the burning of tobacco.
•Vaping delivers nicotine through the vapor created by heating e-liquid. The nicotine levels in e-liquids can vary, and some e-liquids are nicotine-free.
3. Odor:
•Smoking produces a strong, lingering smell of tobacco and smoke that can stick to clothing, hair, and surroundings.
•Vaping typically has a less pungent scent, often related to the flavor of the e-liquid (e.g., fruit, mint, or candy), and the smell doesn’t linger as long.
4. Secondhand Effects:
•Secondhand smoke from cigarettes is dangerous to those nearby, as it contains harmful chemicals and toxins.
•Vaping creates secondhand vapor, which is generally considered to be less harmful than secondhand smoke. However, the long-term effects of secondhand vapor are still not fully understood and research is ongoing.
5. Social and Environmental Impact:
•Smoking often has a more noticeable societal stigma, and smoking in public places has been heavily restricted in many countries.
•Vaping has gained popularity, especially among younger people, and although it doesn’t produce smoke, it is subject to increasing regulations. Some places restrict vaping in public areas as a precaution.
THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH VAPING?
•Some vaping liquids contain large amounts of nicotine. High nicotine levels can form addiction and impact brain development in fetuses, children, and teens.
•The liquid in vapes can be irritating to the eyes and skin.
•Certain chemical flavourings contain diacetyl. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways, a phenomenon called popcorn lungs. There is no lasting treatment to it.
•Device malfunctions may cause injury from fires and explosions.
•When heated, certain chemicals found in vape liquids can form formaldehyde, which is dangerous to one’s health. High levels of exposure may cause certain types of cancer.
The long-term effects of vaping are still not well known. Other health risks may be uncovered over time, as was the case with cigarettes.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING?
Nicotine addiction
•Reduced life expectancy and quality of life
•Increased risk of developing lung cancer, and at least 15 other cancers
•Increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases
•Dental problems, such as tooth loss and bad breath
Conclusion
Vaping is perceived as less hazardous than smoking but the sequel and ill effects are quite similar with an emerging challenge of young generation accepting vaping as a recreational tool . The incidence of cancer and mortality related to it are not different in either of scenario , henceforth a clear take home message for society should be that both vaping and smoking must be avoided and preferably banned .
