Electronic cigarettes are increasingly popular among teens and young adults in the United States. e-pens also known as Vape Pens is a device used as an alternative to smoking and is considered less dangerous. In some instances, people have used e-cigs to quit smoking entirely. However, as adults who care about our youth, it’s crucial we get clear on the facts about e-cigs. These health facts should be shared with the younger generation to avoid long term issues.
E-Cigs Are Less Harmful Than Smoking
One provable fact about e cigarettes is that they are not as harmful as smoking when used similarly. Tobacco in cigarettes has a great deal of dangerous substances in it. The two worst substances in cigarette smoke are tar and carbon monoxide. These two ingredients cause many of the health problems related to cigarettes. There are also thousands of other toxins and dangerous substances in a cigarette, all of which you inhale as you smoke. By contrast, electronic cigarettes contain e-liquids that do not have tar and carbon monoxide as a by product.
E-Cigs Contain Propylene Glycol And Vegetable Glycerin
Although E-Cigs do not have the same toxins as traditional cigarettes, the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin elements in e-cigs are toxic.According to a study at the University of North Carolina, even small doses of PG and VG exposes the young adult to high levels of toxin. These two ingredients are a majority of the e-liquid composition. When choosing an e-liquid or e-juice, you can choose the PG/VG ratio. Younger individuals should understand that inhaling these elements could lead to lung damage or disease. In the future, we can expect more studies to show evidence on the impact of PG and VG in e-cigs.
E-Cigs Are Addictive With Nicotine
Young adults should know that E-Cigs can contain nicotine. Depending on what type of e cig vape juice you buy, it can contain anywhere from 0mg-16mg of nicotine. The specific control of nicotine can help smokers quit by weening themselves off. However, for most young adults, they are not aware of the nicotine content. Or worse, they could end up buying extra strength nicotine e-liquids with concentrations as high as 24mg or 36mg. Without proper awareness or control, the addictive properties of nicotine can keep the younger generations addicted to electronic cigarettes. As an alternative, if they want to use E-Cigs, consider e-liquids that do not contain any nicotine at all.
E-Cig Products Are Not Highly Regulated
Since E-Cigs were introduced to the market in 2006, there are not as many FDA regulations controlling the industry just yet. Recently, electronic cigarette manufacturers and distributors are being mandated to uphold the safety standards of other tobacco products. However, these companies are still marking their products without the risk involved. That means, certain products could be marketed to boost your brain power when it actually hurts brain development. In fact, many young adults start using e-cigarettes without understanding all the risks. They often associate e-cigs as “risk-free” or not harmful. The younger generation needs to understand that while e-cigs offer fun and attractive flavors, they pose a real risk to their overall health.
E-Cigs Are Bad For Your Oral Health
Additionally, dentists have raised concerns about the oral health issues associated with e-cigs. Although e-cigs do not have the same contaminants, they could be just as harmful to your teeth and gums. At the moment, young adults probablyuse e-cigs in a social setting to fit in with a group of friends. It might be effective to explain how bad breath and gum recession could impact their self-image. Moreover, a weakened immune system could keep the young individual from doing things that they want to do. If young adults want to have a healthy smile, they should understand the oral health concerns associated with electronic cigs.
E-cigs have received mixed messages for the younger generation. While the younger generation can use them responsibly, they should understand the health facts before doing so. E-cigs are certainly less harmful than traditional cigarettes (if used responsibly). However, the two major ingredients do contain toxins. When the chosen e-liquid contains nicotine, you could become highly addicted to e-cigs just like traditional cigarettes. Moreover, many of these products are not heavily regulated by the FDA. Young adults need to be very careful with the brands they choose. Finally, e-cigs could affect your teeth and gums. These are all important facts to share with the younger generation about the use of e-cigs.