Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, have been promoted as an alternative to stop smoking tobacco or conventional cigarettes. However, in reality, electronic cigarettes are just as harmful as conventional ones.

In this article, we will discuss why vaping can cause the same addiction as traditional cigarettes. Let's take a look!

What is Vape? 

Electronic cigarettes are known by many different names, such as e-cigs, ENDS, ANDS, e-hookah, mods, vape pens, vaporizers, vapes, and tanks. In Indonesia, electronic cigarettes are commonly referred to as vape, available in various shapes and sizes. They have attractive designs, resembling cigars, pipes, pens, flash drives, USBs, or even other forms.

Vapes are connected to a battery that powers the device and a heating element that heats the e-liquid and turns it into tiny aerosol particles. A cartridge or tank holds the e-liquid, and a mouthpiece is used to inhale the aerosol.

Electronic cigarettes typically do not contain tobacco, but most contain nicotine derived from tobacco. Therefore, electronic cigarettes are still classified as tobacco products.

Health and Safety Risks of Vaping

Similar to conventional cigarettes or tobacco products, vaping involves inhaling the same nicotine. Nicotine can create pleasurable sensations in the body and mind. When you inhale it, the brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel happy and satisfied for a short time.

The more nicotine you inhale, the greater your risk of addiction, making it difficult to quit. When you try to stop, you may experience unpleasant physical and mental changes known as nicotine withdrawal symptoms. With vaping, the amount of nicotine inhaled tends to be higher compared to traditional smoking, thus increasing the potential for addiction more than regular cigarettes.

Instead of smoking, many teenagers turn to vaping, thinking it is healthier. However, according to research conducted by the CDC, the nicotine in vapes can also disrupt concentration and affect mood changes, learning processes, and impulse control.

In addition, other ingredients mixed into e-liquid vapor may contain potentially harmful substances such as:

•  Carcinogenic ingredients that can cause cancer
•  Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
•  Flavorings like diacetyl, which are associated to lung disease
•  Volatile organic compounds that can irritate the respiratory tract 
•  Ultra-fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs

Beyond health risks, there have also been reports of electronic cigarettes exploding and causing serious injuries. Explosions are often caused by damaged batteries or improper battery handling.

The FDA does not approve electronic cigarettes as a smoking cessation device. There is insufficient research and evidence to conclude that electronic cigarettes are safer or help with quitting tobacco smoking. Essentially, switching from tobacco cigarettes to electronic ones is akin to trading one addiction for another, with the same dangers and health risks. If you're planning to quit both tobacco and electronic cigarettes (vape), it's better to seek medical help and counseling with a doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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