SHARES
Vaping linked lung disease is happening and it’s happening fast. It has been a month since a mysterious illness swept across 14 states in America affecting only young adults.
The common denominator ? – They all vape.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the figures are up to 153 probable cases between June 28 and August 20, spanning 16 states. A steep rise from the estimated 94 cases noted till August 15.
In spite of the sharp increase in numbers, there was no further evidence to the cause of disease. The CDC reported that the only common factor is the usage of electronic cigarettes and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) containing products in e-cigarettes.
What’s worse, vaping lung sickness results in irreversible lung damage and experts aren’t surprised. Well, why would they be, when you’ve got millions of kids inhaling something that was never tested for inhalation safety. What started out as an alternative for individuals looking to quit smoking has consumed many young people whole. Many youths ingest nicotine for the first time and continue to do so – contributing to the growing nicotine addiction epidemic.
Growing Evidence On The Dangers Of Vaping
In one study, David Christiani and his colleagues tested 75 e-cigarette products in total for two contaminants: endotoxin and glucan. Chronic exposure to endotoxin can cause asthma and a reduced lung capacity. Whereas, glucan causes inflammation, which is a big, big problem in a sensitive system like your lungs.
Christiani found 23 percent of the products tested contained endotoxins and 81 percent of it contained glucan. While they may be in small amounts these products so frequently that it adds up to a substantial number.
Furthermore, experts link certain vape juices to changes in arteries and blood vessels. The participants took 16 three-second puffs and researchers noted stiffer arteries, impaired circulation and less oxygen in their blood. Additionally, there is mounting evidence indicating that e-cigarettes produces harmful carcinogen as well as metal byproducts from the device itself.
Although, it’s not all bad news. One study concludes that the usage of electronic nicotine delivery systems has helped adult smokers quit smoking at rates higher than smokers who did not use these products.
Note how I mentioned adults and not young adults ?
Conclusion
Finally, addiction is something that engulfs us one way or another but nicotine is as harmful as it comes. We have yet to solve the nicotine addiction problem in adults and here we are facing a new public threat. A threat, bigger and far more destructive engulfing a whole generation of youth!
It seems the only way out comes when the young come to understand the implications of vaping away on one’s health. Accordingly, parents must be vigilant and aware of the dangers. A reminder to parents and parents to be: e-cigarettes are never safe for youth, young adults, or pregnant and or breastfeeding women. It is downright dangerous.
by Yashwini Ravindranath
Born & raised in Malaysia, Yashwini earned her M.D. studying in Moscow's Russian National Research Medical University. With an affiliation towards research, all things coffee and the startup ecosystem, she now contributes articles to GetDocSays View all articles by Yashwini Ravindranath.
