Vaping has become trendy in recent years as even teens feel free to inhale the vapors without fear of having the adverse effects of smoking. While vaping is safer than smoking regular cigarettes, studies are showing that a number of problems arise from vaping liquid, even if it doesn't contain nicotine.
E-cigarettes originally came about to help smokers break the habit. Smokers could slowly reduce the amount of nicotine in the e-cigarette until they had fully weened themselves. Unfortunately, vaping (as it's called today) does not come without its own set of risks. Check out these 6+ adverse effects from vaping.
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1. Inflammation. Just like inhaling on a regular cigarette, vaping also causes inflammation of lung tissue, according to Science News for Students.
2. Volatile organic compounds. Studies that are being performed with those who vape show that when the flavorings are heated, two volatile organic compounds are created. WebMD says that acrylonitrile and acrylamide are found in the urine of those who "dual vape" (using a flavoring and nicotine) and those who vape with just the flavorings.
3. Toxic metals. Besides volatile organic compounds, Business Insider reveals that lead, cadmium, beryllium and nickle are also being inhaled. These toxic metals are also found in regular cigarettes.
4. Lung damage. If nicotine is added to the vapor, Science News for Students states that lung damage is still being done. Nicotine itself appears to damage lung tissue.
5. Poisons. Most people wouldn't ingest arsenic, but Business Insider points out that those who vape end up inhaling arsenic. Manganese and chromium can also be added to the poisonous list.
6. Cancer-causing agents. WebMD reveals that the fruit flavors that can be added to the vaping liquid seem to release a lot of cancer-causing agents when heated.
7. Organ damage. Besides just damaging the lungs, Business Insider states that damage is also being done to the liver, heart and brain.
8. Immune system. People who don't smoke or vape generally have healthy immune systems. Science News for Students says that vaping tends to weaken what would normally be a healthy immune system.
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If vaping is being done to help stop the habit of smoking, then it's better than continuing with regular cigarettes. Otherwise, the safest thing to do is not to start vaping to begin with.