What is E-Cigarette or Vaping : An e-cigarette is a battery-operated electronic device also known as a “vape” or “vaping device”. It involves heating a liquid (e-liquid) of nicotine, flavors and other chemicals to produce a smoke-like vapor, which the person inhales. Although tobacco does not burn like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are not considered completely safe. An e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats a nicotine-containing liquid (e-liquid) to create an aerosol, which is inhaled. It does not burn tobacco like traditional cigarettes, but the chemicals in it are harmful to health.
An e-cigarette consists of a battery, a heater (atomizer) and a liquid tank. This liquid contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. These look like pens, USB sticks or small cigarettes. Although it does not contain tar, it can cause serious damage to the lungs, heart and brain. E-cigarettes are also called ‘vape pens’, ‘e-hookah’ or ‘cigarettelikes’.
Vaping is considered safer than smoking cigarettes, but vaping also causes health problems. Both vaping and smoking are addictions. But unlike cigarettes, vaping hasn’t been around long enough to know its long-term effects.
No. As the name suggests, vaping does not create water vapor. In fact, it creates an aerosol (or mist) containing tiny particles of nicotine, metals and other harmful substances.
Major Side Effects of E-Cigarettes
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. This causes the brain to get used to it and can become addictive. This addiction increases rapidly especially among the youth.
Vaping can cause problems such as swelling of the lungs, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, chest pain. Lung damage has also been observed in some severe cases.
Nicotine increases blood pressure and heart rate. It can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In adolescents, nicotine can cause problems such as lack of concentration, irritability, and memory effects.
E-cigarette vapor may contain fine particles of certain harmful chemicals and metals. These can have negative effects on the body in the long run.
Complaints such as dry throat, burning mouth, bad breath, gum disease may occur.
The sale, manufacture and promotion of e-cigarettes in India has been banned since 2019 in view of the growing addiction and health risks among the youth.
Some people consider e-cigarettes a “safe alternative to quitting smoking,” but doctors say they can also pose health risks. Medical advice, nicotine replacement therapy or counseling may be safer options if you want to quit smoking.
The particles you inhale while vaping can cause swelling and inflammation in the lungs. This can cause lung damage, with symptoms such as ulceration and narrowing of the airways that carry air to the lungs. But researchers are still researching the effects of vaping on the body.
