Fast Facts About Vaping
There are many myths out there about safety of these products. Here, Holm shares a few critical facts about the dangers of vaping to counter the misconceptions:
Vaping can be harder to quit than smoking traditional cigarettes. For example, one Juul pod is the nicotine equivalent of smoking a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.
Vaping is highly addictive. Teens who vape are four times as likely to develop a nicotine addiction. Unregulated nicotine levels in these products make it easier to get addicted. “Unfortunately, we know from experience with cigarettes that the younger people start using nicotine, the more strongly addicted they tend to become,” Holm says.
Vaping products are marketed to teens and young adults. Many young people are interested in vaping because products come in fruit or candy-like flavors.
Vaping products aren’t FDA regulated. There are no uniform standards for the amount of nicotine or chemicals found in vape juice or pods. Some products have been shown to contain heavy metals, antifreeze, components of car exhaust or cancer-causing carcinogens in the aerosol clouds they produce.
Vaping isn’t limited to tobacco or nicotine consumption. Many vaping devices can be modified so you can inhale alcohol or smoke marijuana as well.
Vaping alcohol isn’t safer than drinking alcohol. Consuming alcohol through vaping devices can be the equivalent of taking several shots in a matter of a few seconds. This causes your blood alcohol levels to rise dangerously fast in comparison to normal alcohol consumption – and can result in alcohol poisoning or death.
Besides addiction and the risks outlined above, using these products can also lead to serious health effects, such as a weakened immune system or lasting lung damage.
Getting Help To Quit Vaping
If you or someone you know is looking to quit vaping, smoking or other forms of tobacco use, there are many resources available – through local and national organizations, by phone or online. If you can, talk to your doctor to explore what your options are for getting help.
“We know from decades of research that the best results come from the combination of expert counseling, and using FDA-approved medications,” Holm adds. “That’s why Tobacco Treatment Specialists, who really know how to prescribe and teach about behavior change and medications, provide the most effective support.”
c/o: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2020/11/dangers-of-teenage-vaping
Comments