E-Cigarette and Tobacco use study finds that people over the age of 12 are now experiencing more lung problems. Prevalence of emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma has increased in younger individuals since the start of the Vaping craze.
Research indicates that there is an increased (330% to be exact) risk of lung-related issues with these tobacco products.
In a short time of 3 years, researchers have already found an alarmingly increased rate of those suffering from lung issues and diseases. It makes one wonder what will happen if Vaping continues.
According to the Center for Disease Control, there have been 2,807 hospitalizations since February 2020. These health hazards combined with 68 deaths in the U.S. and its territories cause alarm to health officials.
***With THC showing up in many samples and Vitamin E Acetate being linked to lung injuries the CDC is still working to narrow down the causes. Recommending that users stop vaping until more accurate information is available.
The Vaping craze has not just affected adults. It is reported that several young people, including those still in High School, are vaping every day. The use of teens and school-aged people continues on an upward incline.
In January of this year, the Trump Administration issued strict regulations. A ban on “cartridge-based” Vape products would hopefully reduce the health risks according to the legislature.
Following updates from reputable resources such as the CDC is important as we try to combat the negative health effects of Vaping. With increased awareness, researchers have begun to look into a correlation between vaping and cancer.
The Study: Vaping, Cancer, & Mice
It is common knowledge that the use of tobacco products is the number cause of preventable deaths. Researchers have now tested Vaping products on mice. The tests led to tumors and precancerous growths in the small rodents.
When tobacco burns and is inhaled it releases carcinogens into the body. According to the UK, because Vaping does not go through the same process it is less likely to carrier cancerous materials to the user.
As users come into contact with nicotine, it is still unclear whether transmission through saliva can cause harm. Thus, it could be harmful to a user’s DNA and later result in various types of cancer. Essentially it is best to avoid smoking and vaping all-together.
The mice in question were exposed to vaping for 12 full months (the equivalent of 3-6 years for humans). During this time, 22% of mice developed tumors in their lungs and bladders. Of the 40 mice in the trial over 57% had some sort of precancerous growth.
The researchers used a control group of 20 mice who were only exposed to Vapor, not nicotine. These mice had no complications or tumors.
There is still a need for further studies as the effects of smoking on mice can be different from the effects on people. With a small sample size and the mice’s inability to inhale the study will not prove to be entirely accurate.
What is the Importance of This?
As this is the first study linking Vaping to cancer there is cause for patience as more research is done. The effects of Vaping on the human body are still being questioned and discovered. Although the study may be lacking in some areas, those who are following the effects may still be concerned.
It is useful to beware that the effects of cigarette smoking on the human body took over three decades of research before the conclusion. As we know, due to the extensive research done, cigarette smoking does correlate with cancer. Therefore, it is best for those using Vape products to desist until further research is done. It is best to know for certain that vaping does not cause cancer before picking up another vape module.
Some Country legislators have banned Vaping all together. Leading the way on preventative measures; Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina have all implemented bans on the products. Erring on the side of caution, these countries are taking a proactive approach to stop health risks while waiting for more information to be discovered. Waiting on research to be complete, based on past investigations can take well over a decade.
Scientists who perform research and studies such as the one listed above will often disclose the margin for error. As the health effects of vaping cannot be accurately assessed, researchers are urging caution before making conclusions.
Aside from the worry of physical dangers, there are clear indicators that smoking and vaping affect the quality of life for the user. The cost of smoking products along with the time and dedication it takes to be an avid smoker (i.e. standing outside or going to a smoking area) are apparent.
For smokers, the cost isn’t just a pack of cigarettes. It is several packs of cigarettes over several years. Added to that there are also profound health costs, transportation (to and from appointments and hospitals), and medications.
Before vaping, the number of young people who smoke was declining. Now, the numbers are increasing, meaning more young people are turning back towards nicotine-based products. The U.S. is now seeing a new epidemic with nicotine use on the rise.
The numbers tend to indicate that those who vape will eventually turn to cigarettes as a vice. Some 500,000 people, aged 12-29, began vaping then picked up cigarettes.
Many states are now passing additional taxes on smoking. The idea to drive up costs may deter people from starting smoking at all. It may also prevent some users from buying more cigarettes.
As exploration continues, past research indicates that vaping may be just as dangerous as cigarettes. In addition to the previous worries, it’s also concerning that the mice in the study were only exposed to the vapor from the products.
These mice developed tumors in their lungs and bladders. This could mean that just as we have issues with 2nd hand smoke from cigarettes, we may have the same issues with vapes. If the negative effects of vaping can hurt someone who doesn’t vape we should certainly remain informed.
Contact BoardPrep Recovery for answers to “does vaping cause cancer”. Call 866.796.4720 to speak with addiction treatment specialists about outpatient rehab programs for nicotine or vaping addictions.
