Many smokers, who are determined to give up smoking, are falling for e-cigarettes. The idea has gained popularity in recent years as e-cigarettes are successfully promoted as the best and healthy alternative to smoking. The radiation oncology specialists warn that the notion is anything but true. The ingredients in e-cigarettes contain a mix of chemicals that may cause harm. E-cigarettes don’t include tobacco but many of them contain nicotine, which is sourced from tobacco. Nicotine is an addictive chemical compound and capable of changing the way our brain functions and may also induce dependence, both physically and psychologically.
How E-Cigarettes Function?
E-cigarettes mean electronic cigarettes. The mechanism at the core of their functioning is ‘heat but not burn’. A flame is needed to burn the tobacco in the regular cigars and cigarettes. As a result, smoke is emitted and smokers inhale it. E-cigarettes are operated by batteries that heat the liquid and create vapour that’s inhaled. The users either inhale or push a button to activate the device.
Smoking and Cancer
Smoking has long been associated with cancer. Several researches have established the fact beyond doubt that smoking is one of the major contributing factors to lung cancer. Smoking also causes some types of cancer in women. Though writing is always on the wall, some smokers still ignore the warning and others find it difficult to kick the habit out of their life.
Vaping & Potential Health Risks
E-cigarettes are a recent phenomenon whereas traditional cigars and cigarettes have been around for centuries. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned the Americans about the potential health risks from vaping. Here are what they have found out:
- E-cigarettes may inflict high addiction, especially among the young people.
- Vaping may cause injuries and/or inflammation in lungs
An eminent radiation oncologist in Kolkata has cited the reports by the American Cancer Society that claims some e-cigarettes users have developed lung diseases, the symptoms of which are as follows:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Does Vaping Cause Cancer?
It may take the researchers at least, a couple of decades to find out if vaping is another cause of cancer, especially lung cancer. However, researchers in Ireland claim that there is “clear reason for concern regarding the potential oncogenicity of e-cigarettes/e-liquids”. E-cigarettes cause some serious damages to lungs. If these injuries or inflammation persist or recur, it might take a turn to malignancy, according to what some pulmonologists believe.
Final Words
Without getting involved in the fights between traditional cigar/cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users about which causes more damages, we would like to warn the readers both are potentially harmful. So, instead of switching to a widely supposed safe choice i.e. e-cigarette, you should think about giving up smoking and not to fall for vaping.
Fund the researches that are examining a link between vaping and potential cancer risk. Only more researches can reveal the complexities of the deadliest disease that CANCER is.