Electronic Cigarettes and Your Health

Many people believe electronic cigarettes (also called e-cigarettes or vapes) are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. But with a new report from the U.S. surgeon general calling e-cigarette use “a major public health concern,” this may not be the case. The FDA reports an alarming 900% rise in e-cigarette use among high school students from 2011 to 2015. Get the facts on this popular, and potentially dangerous, product.

Some examples of electronic nicotine delivery systems include:

• E-cigarettes
• E-pipes
• Hookah pens
• Vape pens
• Vaporizers

Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items.

Vaping liquids can be made to taste like candy, fruit, ice cream, or other foods and drinks. Many contain nicotine, which is bad enough on a body because it’s addictive. But some of the chemicals used for e-liquid flavoring can also put your health at risk.  Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:

• ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
• volatile organic compounds
• heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead

Prolonged use of tobacco products contributes to serious health issues such as, cancer and heart disease.  Researchers are only beginning to discover how vaping affects physical health over the long term.  Talk to the best general dentist in Evansville, IN- Dr Jenkins-or your doctor about safe and effective quitting options.