E-cigarettes in focus: Dangers and risks for young vapers!

E-cigarettes in focus: Dangers and risks for young vapers!

The use of e-cigarettes, particularly among young people, has increased significantly in recent years. This results in a worrying trend Cosmo documented. Disposable e-cigarettes, which cost between 6 and 10 euros in Germany and allow around 600 inhalations, remain financially attractive compared to traditional tobacco products. However, health experts warn about the risks posed by this trend. The low prices encourage consumption particularly among young people, while demand is also increasing among adults, often on the assumption that vaping is less harmful.

Another cause for concern is the long-term effects of vaping, which are still largely unexplored. Initial studies indicate acute lung damage and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. In addition, e-cigarettes potentially contain fewer known harmful substances than traditional tobacco smoke. The assumption that e-cigarettes have a lower health impact is increasingly being questioned.

Health effects

A study from the University of California – San Francisco shows that e-cigarette use increases the risk of chronic lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. The results, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, are based on data from over 32,000 adults between 2013 and 2016. Users of e-cigarettes and tobacco are more likely to suffer from chronic lung diseases compared to users of just one product Medical doctor.

Research results also show that inhaling e-cigarette aerosols leads to changes in lung immune cells and influences gene and protein levels. Flavoring agents found in most e-cigarette liquids damage the lungs and are toxic regardless of the amount of nicotine. One study identified chocolate and banana flavors as particularly toxic.

Comparison to tobacco products

Although e-cigarettes are often viewed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, they are by no means harmless. A long-term study by Prof. Dr. Riccardo Polosa from the University of Catania argues that e-cigarettes are up to 95% less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. They are expanding the diagnosis and treatment of tobacco use, however Research & Knowledge Experts warn that the simultaneous use of e-cigarettes and tobacco can lead to respiratory diseases.

In addition, long-term users who consume up to four milliliters of liquid daily are unlikely to show any significant health risks. However, higher amounts require further studies to clarify possible consequences. It is important to only use certified products, as homemade liquids can pose health risks. The use of e-cigarettes should not be seen as the sole means of quitting smoking; More comprehensive knowledge about long-term consequences is urgently needed.

Overall, it is clear that the consumption of e-cigarettes is increasing among both young people and adults, although the health risk aspect needs to be systematically examined. While advertising for e-cigarettes suggests that they are a harmless alternative to tobacco, numerous studies show that they may still pose significant health risks.