What are the health risks associated with vaping?
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Health Risks Associated with Vaping
Introduction to Vaping Health Risks
Vaping, the act of inhaling aerosolized substances through electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or similar devices, has become increasingly popular, especially among youth and young adults. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, vaping carries significant health risks that are becoming more evident through ongoing research.
Respiratory Health Risks of Vaping
EVALI and Respiratory Symptoms
One of the most alarming health risks associated with vaping is the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI). This condition led to over 2800 hospitalizations in the United States in 2019 alone, highlighting the severe respiratory risks of vaping3 4. EVALI is particularly associated with the use of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), especially those obtained from informal sources4. The inhalation of vaping aerosols, which may contain harmful chemicals, can cause cellular alterations similar to those caused by traditional tobacco smoke, leading to adverse respiratory outcomes5.
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
While some studies have not found a direct association between cannabis vaping and asthma or other respiratory symptoms, the increasing prevalence of vaping, particularly among young adults, raises concerns about potential long-term respiratory health effects1. The inhalation of various chemicals in vaping aerosols can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, although more research is needed to fully understand these long-term impacts9.
Cardiovascular Health Risks of Vaping
Acute Cardiovascular Effects
Vaping has been linked to several acute cardiovascular effects, including increased blood pressure, tachycardia, and worsened arterial stiffness. These effects can elevate the risk of adverse clinical events such as atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction2 3. Although the detrimental impact of vaping on cardiovascular health is generally considered to be of lesser magnitude than that of traditional combustion cigarettes, it is still significant and concerning2.
Long-Term Cardiovascular Risks
The long-term cardiovascular risks of vaping remain unclear, but early evidence suggests that the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems can have various acute physiological effects, particularly those containing nicotine3. Continued research is essential to fully understand the chronic cardiovascular implications of vaping.
Behavioral and Mental Health Risks
High-Risk Behaviors
Vaping, particularly cannabis vaping, is associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors such as heavy alcohol use, binge drinking, and other risky activities1. This association underscores the broader behavioral health risks linked to vaping.
Mental Health Concerns
Youth vaping is also associated with mental health problems, including increased risk for substance use and other behavioral health issues8. The perception of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking may contribute to its widespread use among adolescents, despite the associated risks.
Public Health and Regulatory Considerations
Youth Vaping Epidemic
The rapid increase in vaping among youth and young adults is a significant public health concern. Awareness of vaping-attributable health conditions, such as EVALI, has been shown to influence risk perceptions and behaviors among young people, potentially reducing the intention to use e-cigarettes and encouraging cessation6. Public health campaigns and regulatory efforts are crucial in addressing the uncertain health effects of vaping and preventing its uptake among youth8 10.
Need for Continued Surveillance and Research
Given the evolving nature of vaping products and their health implications, continued surveillance and research are essential. Understanding the full spectrum of health risks associated with vaping will inform public health strategies and regulatory policies aimed at mitigating these risks1 3 9.
Conclusion
Vaping poses significant health risks, particularly to respiratory and cardiovascular health, and is associated with high-risk behaviors and mental health issues. The increasing prevalence of vaping among youth and young adults underscores the need for continued research, public health interventions, and regulatory measures to protect public health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cannabis vaping among adults in the United States: Prevalence, trends, and association with high-risk behaviors and adverse respiratory conditions.
Cannabis vaping has increased in prevalence, particularly among young adults, and is associated with high-risk behaviors, but no association was found with asthma or other respiratory symptoms.
Observational Study
Rigorous JournalVaping Cardiovascular Health Risks: an Updated Umbrella Review
EVC and HNBC may increase cardiovascular risk, but may represent a temporary lesser evil than traditional cigarettes in a risk-reduction strategy aiming for eventual abstinence from tobacco or nicotine products.
Systematic ReviewCardiopulmonary Impact of Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Products: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.
E-cigarettes and vaping products may have short-term and long-term cardiovascular and pulmonary risks, and more research is needed to determine their potential as tobacco-cessation products.
Risk Factors for E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use–Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Among Adults Who Use E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products — Illinois, July–October 2019
E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury is associated with exclusive use of THC-containing products, frequent use, and obtaining these products from informal sources.
Observational Study
Highly CitedInhalation Toxicology of Vaping Products and Implications for Pulmonary Health
E-cigarettes may not be harmless and may cause cellular alterations similar to traditional tobacco smoke, with potential adverse respiratory outcomes and EVALI outbreaks.
Highly CitedYouth and young adult risk perceptions and behaviours in response to an outbreak of e-cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) in the USA
Awareness of vaping-attributable health conditions may prevent e-cigarette/vape use and encourage cessation among young people.
Observational StudyDo youth who vape exhibit risky health lifestyles? Monitoring the future, 2017.
Vaping nicotine or marijuana does not significantly increase risky health behaviors like poor diet, poor sleep quality, and low exercise levels, while traditional smoking and marijuana use are significantly associated with these outcomes.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalProtecting children and adolescents against the risks of vaping.
Youth vaping increases the risk of substance use, mental health problems, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, and unintentional injuries, and should not be used as a smoking cessation tool.
Impact of vaping on respiratory health
Vaping is not without risk, and further investigation is needed to establish clear public policy guidance and regulation.
Literature ReviewRigorous JournalYouth vaping: a review and update on global epidemiology, physical and behavioral health risks, and clinical considerations
Youth vaping is an increasingly prevalent public health concern with both physical and behavioral health risks, and pediatricians and other youth-focused clinicians can apply the lessons of recent research in their work with youth and their families.
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