What is Vaping? Vaping involves using a compact, handheld device such as e-cigarettes, vape pens, or mods to inhale a mist containing nicotine and flavoring, known as e-liquid. Unlike traditional smoking, which burns tobacco, vaping heats liquid particles to produce the mist.
How Does Vaping Work? Vaping operates by heating a liquid within a small device, allowing you to inhale it into your lungs. Devices like e-cigarettes or vape pens heat the liquid to create an aerosol, which is not water vapor. This mist contains particles of nicotine, flavoring, and other substances suspended in the air. You inhale these particles through the mouthpiece, which then travel down your throat and into your lungs.
What are E-cigarettes (Vape Pens)? E-cigarettes, or vape pens, are devices designed to heat liquid nicotine and flavoring for inhalation. These devices come in various forms and names, including vapes, e-hookahs, hookah sticks, mods, and personal vaporizers (PVs). Collectively, they are known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).Most e-cigarettes consist of:
- A cartridge, tank, or pod to hold the liquid (which can be refillable).
- A heating element to convert the liquid into breathable particles (aerosol, often called “vapor”).
- A battery to power the heating element.
- A power or control button (some are activated by sensors when you inhale).
- A mouthpiece for inhaling the aerosol.
Difference Between Vaping and Smoking Cigarettes Both vaping and smoking involve inhaling nicotine and other substances into the lungs. However, e-cigarettes heat liquid to create an aerosol, whereas cigarettes burn tobacco to produce smoke.
Is Vaping Worse Than Cigarettes? Vaping is often perceived as safer than smoking cigarettes, but it also poses health risks. Both vaping and smoking are addictive and introduce potentially harmful chemicals into the body. The levels of many of these chemicals are higher when tobacco is burned. However, the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood.
Effects of Vaping on the Lungs The particles inhaled during vaping can cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs, potentially leading to lung damage such as scarring and narrowing of the airways. Researchers are still studying the full range of effects that vaping can have on the body.
Is Vaping Just Water Vapor? No, vaping does not produce water vapor. Instead, it creates an aerosol or mist that contains small particles of nicotine, metal, and other harmful substances.
What’s in E-liquid (E-juice)? E-liquid, also known as e-juice or vape juice, is the substance used in vaping devices to produce the vapor you inhale. E-liquids are not just water; they typically contain:
- Flavoring, each with its own set of ingredients.
- Nicotine, the addictive and harmful substance found in cigarettes and other tobacco products.
- Propylene glycol and glycerin, used to create vapor.
Additionally, e-liquids and flavorings may contain other ingredients, including:
Ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Carcinogens like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde.
Chemicals known to cause lung disease, such as acrolein, diacetyl, and diethylene glycol.
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
Vitamin E acetate, linked to lung injury caused by vaping (EVALI).
Heavy metals like nickel, tin, lead, and cadmium.
