Are e-cigarettes really safe?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Huy Nhat - Respiratory Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital

Many people believe that e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. But recent reports in the United States of e-cigarette use are posing a major public health hazard. The FDA warned that from 2011 to 2015 alone, there was a 900% increase in the use of e-cigarettes by students in the US, which is a really alarming number. So are e-cigarettes really harmful?

An electronic cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid (usually containing nicotine), turning it into a vapor that the smoker can inhale into the lungs. E-cigarettes have many different names such as vapes, vaporizer cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems).
Some e-cigarettes look similar in appearance to traditional cigarettes or cigars. Others look like pens or flash drives or have completely different designs. E-cigarettes can be used once or refilled with a refill solution for continued use. Most of these devices use a cartridge that, if used once, is called a nicotine pod or, if refillable, holds an e-liquid (e-juice or e-liquid). This essential oil is a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavoring, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin.
E-cigarette strength is determined by the nicotine content in the e-liquid and is expressed in milligrams per milliliter or as a percentage. However, recent studies have shown that e-cigarette product label concerns do not always provide accurate information about nicotine content in e-liquid. A small cocoon containing 5% nicotine salts can have up to 30 to 50 milligrams of nicotine, which is equivalent to one to three packs of cigarettes.

Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) reported more than 1,000 vaping-related lung injuries, mainly associated with e-cigarette products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ).
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged people to stop using vape products containing THC or any e-cigarette products sold from street vendors, from friends or other illegal sources. The FDA is also warning people not to add THC, other oils, or any other substance to e-cigarette e-liquids. If you use e-cigarettes, watch for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and if you suspect a health problem related to e-cigarettes, seek medical attention. examiner.
E-cigarettes containing nicotine are not considered safe for adolescents, young adults or pregnant women. Nicotine affects brain development in children and young adults under the age of 20, toxic to the developing fetus. Children and adults who do not smoke can also be poisoned when swallowing, breathing or absorbing liquid from e-cigarettes through their skin or eyes.
Rarely a defective e-cigarette battery can cause a fire or explosion, most explosions occur while the battery is charging.

Nicotine is an ingredient in most e-cigarettes, which is an addictive substance similar to heroin and cocaine. The more you use it, the more your brain and body get used to nicotine, which in turn, makes it harder for your body to quit e-cigarettes.
When you do not use e-cigarettes, the concentration of nicotine in the blood will decrease, this will cause withdrawal symptoms (Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms) with signs such as feelings of restlessness, restlessness, irritability, other symptoms. other physical evidence and strong urges to use tobacco or e-cigarettes. That is the symptom of nicotine addiction.
If you are a regular smoker of e-cigarettes or are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke, you should go for regular health check-ups to early detect the risk of disease, thereby taking early intervention measures. .
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers. All medical examination and treatment procedures are performed by a team of qualified doctors with many years of experience, so customers can be assured of the results of the health check at the hospital.

Reference source: webmd.com; mayoclinic.org