The Reality Behind Vaping
Vaping is often perceived as a milder version of smoking. However, vaping fluids contain nicotine, base liquids, flavors, and many other chemicals. The most dangerous among these is nicotine, which is also present in cigarettes and all other forms of tobacco. The base liquid, typically propylene glycol, and the flavors are a cocktail of chemicals mimicking natural flavors. There is nothing natural or beneficial in vape liquid. Fruit-based flavors, in particular, contain high levels of acrylonitrile, a highly toxic chemical.
Banned Flavors and Chemical Concerns
In fact, the United States has banned these flavors due to their toxicity. What you think of as flavors are actually a mix of chemicals like acetoin, acetyl propionyl, acrolein, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, benzaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, citral, crotonaldehyde, diacetyl, formaldehyde, and more.
Historical Context and Marketing Tactics
A few years ago, even doctors were featured in cigarette advertisements claiming that “smoking is beneficial for you.” Half the world believed this. Now, tobacco companies themselves admit that smoking kills. What changed in the last 50 years? The cigarettes are the same, but our knowledge has expanded. Cigarettes have long-term effects that become evident only after many years of abuse. If you study only young people, you won’t find conclusive evidence that smoking causes cancer because most lung cancer diagnoses occur after the age of 65. People were kept in the dark by tobacco companies and their marketing tactics.
Health Risks of Vaping
Today, most vape manufacturers claim that vaping has no negative health effects. All the research about the health consequences of vaping ends with the conclusion that we need further research to evaluate long-term health effects. But do you really need to wait for researchers to confirm the negative health effects of vaping? You already know them.
The Impact of Nicotine
All the negative health effects of cigarette smoking—such as heart attacks, weak bones, loss of taste and smell, and sexual issues—stem from nicotine itself. Think about this: You can live without food for a couple of weeks, without water for a couple of days, but how long can you live without breathing? Just a few minutes. This shows how crucial air is for you. If you change the composition of the air, even slightly, the consequences can be fatal.
By vaping, you’re not adding extra oxygen; instead, you’re inhaling various other chemicals, including nicotine, some of which are highly toxic. The amount of chemicals in vapor (technically known as aerosol) is significantly higher than in cigarette smoke. Over time, vaping tends to increase. Many clients report vaping all day long because it can be done anytime, anywhere. With cigarettes, you stop smoking once the cigarette is finished, but with vaping, there’s no defined end to a session, allowing you to vape for longer periods without realizing it.
The Long-Term Effects
Given these facts, do you need to wait for a couple of decades to understand the long-term health effects of vaping on humans? Flavors are just a mask, a bait for youngsters to start vaping. The real product is nicotine, which is highly addictive and a gateway to smoking.
One study in 2018 suggested that 85% of vapers smoke cigarettes. The problem with vaping isn’t just health-related—health issues constitute only 20% of the problem. The main issue is the sense of incompleteness and restlessness you feel when you can’t vape.
Effects of Vaping
– Mood swings and irritability
– Increased depression and anxiety over time
– Loss of patience and courage
– Social disrespect due to addiction
– High expense
– Significant time wastage
– Influence on children and loved ones who might start vaping by watching you
Remember, our journey is about progress and empowerment. Understanding these dangers is a crucial step toward a healthier, smoke-free life.
Comparing cigarettes and vaping is like comparing two different killers. Is that really the question we need to ask?
