Vaping: Risks, Reminders and What You Can Do

Despite the common consumer misconception that vaping is only dangerous when the substance contains vitamin E, medical science says otherwise. Craig Lilly, MD, a pulmonologist and critical care medicine specialist says that the medical community remains deeply concerned about reports of vaping-related respiratory illnesses that don’t appear related to the inhalation of vitamin E.

Vaping Risks and Concerns From the American Heart Association

• Electronic cigarettes are the most popular tobacco product used by adolescents.
• One in four high schoolers report using an e-cigarette product of some sort.
• Many adolescents and adults falsely believe that these products are safer than cigarettes.
• In reality, e-cigarettes can deliver much higher concentrations of addictive nicotine than traditional cigarettes.
• E-cigarettes produce an aerosol, made up of fine particles, that is often mistaken for water vapor.
• These fine particles can include varying amounts of toxic chemicals that have been linked to heart and respiratory diseases and cancer.
• Flavors and sweeteners in vape products increase the appeal for kids and teens.

Ever Heard of Popcorn Lung?

Clinically known as bronchiolitis obliterans, popcorn lung is a serious condition in which the tiny air sacks in your lungs become permanently damaged. The disease got its name after being linked to chemicals found in popcorn flavoring, and according to the American Lung Association, popcorn lung is now a real concern for adults and teens who use e-cigarettes and other vape products.

Looking forward, here are some things you can do to keep your loved ones safe and informed:

• Talk with the young people in your life about the dangers of any nicotine use.
• Inform those around you about the risks that can come with using e-cigarettes.
• Advocate for safe and smart tobacco policies in your community.
• Utilize trusted and comprehensive resources like the American Heart Association to research more about vaping and e-cigarettes.

To jumpstart your search, start with these articles from the American Heart Association that cover E-cigarettes and medical emergencies and how vape products have threatened the ‘tobacco endgame’

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