Vaping involves using a device called an e-cigarette, e-hookah, or vape delta 8 carts mod to heat liquid chemicals into a mist you breathe in. It may have flavors and looks like a regular cigarette, pipe or cigar but it’s different because it contains nicotine, which is addictive. Youths, young adults and pregnant women should not use this device because it can cause harm to their growing brains. The chemicals (poisons) in e-liquid can also damage their lungs and hurt their health.
In 2021, more than 2 million middle and high school students reported using vaporizers or “vapes,” which are handheld devices that turn nicotine or other chemical liquids into a vapor that users inhale. The devices are easy to hide and can be used in indoor areas. Youths and young adults can be at risk of getting addicted to nicotine because they have developing brains and can become dependent quickly. Nicotine can also wire the brain for addiction to other substances, including cocaine and alcohol.
Studies show that youths and young adults who start vaping are more likely to try other tobacco products, such as regular cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. They’re also more likely to try other drugs, such as cannabis or cocaine. Teens who smoke can be more likely to have a heart attack or lung disease later in life. They’re also more likely to have sexually transmitted diseases, such as genital warts.
Nicotine, which is in the e-liquid that people vape, can irritate and damage the lungs. It’s also toxic to the nervous system and can lead to addiction. It’s especially harmful for younger people because their lungs are still developing. It can cause breathing problems, such as inflammation, which leads to scarring and narrowing of the tubes that bring air in and out of the lungs. This can make it hard to do sports or other activities. It can also affect your heart rate and blood pressure.
The most common reasons that 8th, 10th, and 12th graders who had ever used a vaporizer gave for vaping were experimentation, taste, boredom, having fun or relaxation, and to feel cool. These reasons differed little by parent education, grade, lifetime cigarette use, or frequency of vaporizer use.
While we do not know the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, they are likely to be less harmful than smoking because they do not contain the carcinogens in regular cigarettes. However, research is needed to find out the full extent of the risks. If you’re thinking about trying a vaporizer, talk to your healthcare provider or a stop-smoking adviser before starting. They can give you tips on how to quit and offer support and help if you need it. They can also check that you have the right equipment and advice on how to care for it properly. They can also tell you if it is safe to vape during pregnancy. You can also get help with quitting from a trained counselor or a telephone quit line.