Local medical experts recently enlightened residents on some of the previously unknown risks associated with America’s newest popular trend.
Vaping has quickly become a popular habit sweeping through the nation over the past several years. The activity, often misunderstood as a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes sees individuals utilize a tank system or juul that delivers flavored vapors containing nicotine to the body.
There are numerous vaping options including e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookahs and many others classified as electronic nicotine delivery systems or ENDS. While originally considered a deterrent for smoking, vaping has quickly taken the place of traditional cigarettes and pipes, and new studies each day are revealing that they may be just as harmful as the products they are replacing.
According to Flint Hills Community Health Center Medical Director, Dr. James Fast vape products have the ability to deliver twice the amount of nicotine than a traditional cigarette. He adds when you factor in that most vape shops allow you to stay and smoke inside the store with others in close proximity, potential health risks can increase.
Another major issue associated with vaping is the alarming number of children under the age of 18 which utilize these products. According to a press release from the Surgeon General on Dec. 18, the percentage of high school-age children reporting past 30-day use of e-cigarettes rose by 75 percent between 2017 and 2018. Use amongst middle school-age children rose by 50 percent in the same time span.
Fast attributes this to the wide selection of vape options including different flavorings and percentages of nicotine within the fluids. Some fluids, in fact, are listed as nicotine free, which both Fast and FHCHC Communications Manager Verlin Conkle believe is another factor which attracts younger users.
Conkle says just because the product may not contain nicotine does not mean it is virtually risk-free.
Fast adds, recent studies have actually shown the non-nicotine products do in fact contain trace amounts of the substance. He continues that the flavorings utilized in the vape fluids also pose a risk to the health of an individuals lungs.
If you would like more information on vaping and the dangers associated with it click here.
