E-Cigarettes
(Public Health)
Through this page, your questions about electronic cigarettes will be answered
What are electronic cigarettes?
- Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), come in different shapes and sizes. These battery-powered devices heat a liquid inside them to produce a vapor that the user inhales.
- This liquid contains nicotine (extracted from tobacco) and often includes additives, flavorings, and harmful chemicals. These substances pose risk to both users and non-users.
- Nicotine exposure negatively affects pregnant women and can cause brain development problems in children and adolescents.
- Electronic cigarettes and similar products have become increasingly popular among teenagers due totheir variety of flavors, attractive designs, and marketing as a smoking cessation aid.
- What are the components of electronic cigarettes?
- Battery: The main power source that operates the device.
- Heating coil and wick: Heats the e-liquid and converts it into vapor.
- Liquid container (cartridge): Holds the e-liquid and allows it to be refilled.
- E-liquid: The substance that is vaporized to produce the aerosol. It usually contains flavorings and nicotine, and should be contains harmful substances such as:
- Nicotine: A highly addictive substance that can harm adolescent brain development.
Carcinogens: Chemical substances that can cause cancer.
Heavy metals: Such as nickel, tin, and lead.
- Fine particles: Which can be deeply inhaled into the lungs.
- Volatile organic compounds: Chemicalsthat easily evaporate.
- Flavorings: Such as diacetyl, which is linked to serious lung diseases. Some flavorings may be safe to eat but harmful when inhaled.
What are the types of electronic cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes come in various shapes and sizes, and the main types include:
- Disposable e-cigarettes: Pre-filled, may be rechargeable but not designed for refilling.
- Refillable e-cigarettes: Rechargeable and contain a tank for refilling e-liquid. Some can be adjusted to change vapor quantity or nicotine strength.
- Pre-filled tank e-cigarettes: Rechargeable and designed for reuse.
- What are the risk factors of electronic cigarettes?
- Short-term side effects of vaping:
- Coughing.
Shortness of breath.
- Eye irritation.
- Headache.
- Dryness and irritation of the mouth and throat.
- Nausea.
- Long-term side effects of vaping:
- Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive, making it difficult to quit even after health problems arise. Some e-liquids marketed as nicotine-free may still contain small amounts of nicotine.
- Worsening asthma: Vaping can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
- Lung scarring: Chemicals such as diacetyl, found in some flavorings, can cause pulmonary fibrosis, leading to permanent lung damage.
Heart and vascular diseases: Vaping is a risk factor for cardiovascular health.
E-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injuries (EVALI): Can cause extensive lung damage, with symptoms such as coughing and chest pain, and may be fatal.
- Cancer risk: Some ingredients in e-liquids are linked to cancer.
- Secondhand exposure: People near vapers can inhale harmful substances even without visible smoke.
- Explosions: There have been reports of e-cigarette batteries exploding, causing serious injuries.
- How can you quit electronic smoking?
- Quitting electronic smoking is similar to quitting traditional smoking.
- Start by gradually reducing your e-cigarette use.
- Choose a quit date that does not coincide with stressful events.
Talk to a doctor, therapist, or school counselor for a support plan. Many healthcare facilities offer counseling and support services.
- Keep a list of reasons for quitting and refer to it when needed.
- Avoid places or situations that trigger smoking.
- Exercise regularly to help you relax and reduce cravings, You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache or anxiety. Nicotine patches or gum can help.
- Misconceptions about electronic cigarettes
- Help quit smoking effectively: evidence is still mixed about the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a tool for quitting, and many experts recommend safer methods.
- E-cigarettes are completely safe: Some believe they are harmless,but they contain chemicals that can be dangerous.
They are a safe alternative to smoking or an effective quitting tool: In reality, they may prolong nicotine dependence and still contain harmful substances.
They do not contain nicotine: Not all e-cigarettes are nicotine-free; many contain varying levels of it.
