Exploring water vaping: Is this a secure substitute for conventional e-juice in vaping devices?
In recent years, the popularity of vaping has surged, yet the long-term effects of this practice remain unclear. One variant that has gained attention is the use of water-based e-liquids, such as AQ30.
If you're experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, headache, fever, chills, coughing, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, chest pain, it might be wise to consult a doctor, as these could potentially be related to vape use.
AQ30, the only water-based e-liquid commercially available, contains vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and flavorings, much like regular e-liquids. However, it's important to note that while there are no studies on it yet, vaping water-based e-liquids carries the same risks and safety considerations as typical vaping, with the exception of its containing nicotine.
Vaping aerosols contain chemicals that can cause lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential damage to lung cells. These chemicals include solvents, flavorings, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. The inhalation of these chemicals, even when cannabis or THC-containing e-liquids are excluded, is a concern for respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Specifically, vaping water-based e-liquids can expose users to chemical irritants and ultrafine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and cause inflammation and cellular damage, increasing risks for chronic respiratory diseases. Additionally, heavy metals like nickel, lead, and cadmium can be released from device coils during heating, posing systemic toxic effects.
Nicotine exposure, a common component in vaping, promotes addiction and can cause cardiovascular effects by increasing heart disease risks and affecting brain development. Potentially harmful byproducts like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other carcinogens are also formed during vaporization.
While acute effects such as throat irritation and cough are common, more insidious long-term sequelae include chronic lung inflammation, endothelial injury leading to heart disease, and increased cancer risk. Studies have also linked vaping to increased incidence of asthma, bronchitis, and lung function decline.
It's crucial to remember that current scientific consensus emphasizes that more long-term studies are needed because vaping is relatively new and patterns of use vary widely. However, the evidence to date suggests that long-term vaping is unlikely to be harmless and may contribute to significant chronic health issues.
In summary, vaping water-based e-liquids poses risks to lung and heart health and promotes addiction, with potential long-term harms including chronic respiratory diseases and possibly cancer, though definitive long-term data are still forthcoming. As research continues to uncover the short- and medium-term effects of vaping, it's essential for the public to stay informed and make informed decisions about their health.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). What is the latest on e-cigarette use, or vaping?
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2018). E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products: a review of evidence on use, harms and potential benefits.
- American Heart Association (AHA). (2018). E-cigarettes: Are They Safe?
- Public Health England (PHE). (2018). Evidence review of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products 2018.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID). (2022). E-cigarettes: what you need to know.
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