Vape Dangers: The Misleading Safer Alternative

1. Harmful Chemical Contents

Although they don’t produce smoke like tobacco cigarettes, vapes still contain various harmful chemicals:

• Nicotine: A highly addictive substance that causes dependency. Nicotine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and can trigger heart disorders.
• Propylene Glycol and Glycerin: The main solvents in e-liquids. When heated at high temperatures, they can turn into formaldehyde, a known carcinogen (cancer-causing).
• Flavoring Chemicals: Many liquids use additives like diacetyl, which is known to cause chronic lung disease such as bronchiolitis obliterans, commonly called popcorn lung.

2. Lung Problems

Repeated exposure to vape vapor can damage the respiratory tract and lung tissue. Symptoms may include:

• Chronic coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Pneumonia

In severe cases, it may develop into EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury), an acute condition from vaping that causes severe lung damage.

3. Heart Disorders

The nicotine in vape affects not just the lungs, but also the cardiovascular system:

• Increases heart rate and blood pressure
• Raises the risk of heart attack
• Causes blood vessel constriction

This is especially dangerous for Millway friends with a family history of heart disease or a sedentary lifestyle.

4. Effects on Adolescent Brain

For teens and young adults, using vape has serious consequences for developing brains:

• Disrupts brain cell development
• Reduces concentration and memory
• Increases anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
• Raises the risk of other substance dependencies

The adolescent brain is highly vulnerable to addictive substances, and exposure to nicotine can cause long-term damage.

5. Short-Term Side Effects

Besides chronic effects, vape also causes immediate symptoms, such as:

• Dizziness and nausea
• Palpitations
• Throat irritation and coughing
• Headaches
• Dry mouth and lips

These effects may worsen with frequent use or in beginners.

🚫 Myth: Is Vape Safe?

This myth is incorrect. Vape may contain less tar than conventional cigarettes, but that doesn’t make it risk-free. It still contains nicotine and other hazardous chemicals, and its long-term effects remain unknown due to it being a relatively new product.

Vape is not a healthy way to quit smoking. If Millway friends truly want to stop smoking, safer options include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches or gum), under medical supervision
• Counseling or professional quit-smoking programs
• Support from family and community
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle through exercise and stress management