Thinking about what’s good or bad for your health? Place a few online sports betting and read up on the latest research about vapes.
In recent years, vapes and electronic cigarettes have become extremely popular, especially among teenagers and young adults. Manufacturers claimed that vapes are a “safe” alternative to traditional cigarettes. But what does new research show? Is it really true that vapes are harmless? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Are Vapes?
Vapes (or electronic cigarettes) are devices that heat a special liquid and turn it into vapor, which a person then inhales. This liquid usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and various chemicals. Some liquids contain nicotine, while others do not.
How Are Vapes Different from Regular Cigarettes?
Regular cigarettes burn tobacco—and paper along with it. This releases many harmful substances such as tar, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. Vapes, in theory, don’t burn anything, so they should be less harmful. But in reality, it’s not that simple.
What Have Recent Studies Found?
Since 2019, scientists around the world have been seriously studying the health effects of vaping—especially after a wave of lung illnesses emerged among vape users in the United States.
People had similar symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, and high fever. Some cases even led to death. Doctors gave this condition a name—EVALI, which stands for E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury.
What Causes EVALI?
The main culprit turned out to be vitamin E acetate, which was being added to vape liquids containing cannabinoids (marijuana-based substances). This vitamin is safe when taken orally but can seriously damage the lungs when inhaled.
EVALI isn’t the only concern. Even without vitamin E, vape liquids contain many chemicals that can release harmful substances when heated. For example:
- Formaldehyde – a carcinogen (can cause cancer)
- Acetaldehyde – irritates the mucous membranes
- Diethylene glycol – used in antifreeze
What Is “Popcorn Lung”?
There’s another scary term linked to vaping: popcorn lung. The medical name is obliterative bronchiolitis.
This disease is connected to a substance called diacetyl, which was once used in flavorings—such as those that made vape liquid smell like caramel or buttery popcorn. That’s where the nickname “popcorn lung” came from.
In the early 2000s, workers at a popcorn factory in the U.S. developed severe breathing problems. It was later discovered that diacetyl was to blame—when inhaled, it damages the tiniest airways in the lungs. This can lead to chronic shortness of breath for life. There’s no real cure for it.
Where Is the Research Being Done?
Major studies on the harms of vaping are being conducted in the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and EU countries. In 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a detailed report on EVALI. The UK has also studied how flavorings and vapors affect the lungs.
In South Korea and Japan, authorities have already restricted the sale of certain vape liquids. In Thailand and India, vapes are completely banned. In some U.S. states, flavored vape liquids are banned—mainly due to the risk of popcorn lung.
What About Teenagers?
Doctors are especially worried about the growing number of teenagers who are starting to vape. The attractive scents and stylish design of the devices make vaping appealing. But the problem is that young people’s lungs are still developing, and the harm from vapes may be much more severe.
Nicotine is also highly addictive. Even if someone thinks, “I just vape a little,” the habit can form quickly. This can lead to stronger cravings, and potentially to heart, vascular, and mental health issues.
What Do Doctors Recommend?
Many doctors say: it’s best not to smoke at all—not cigarettes and not vapes. If someone already smokes, they should try quitting using proven methods—such as therapy, nicotine patches, or special medication—not just by “switching to a vape.”
Conclusion
Electronic cigarettes are not toys and definitely not a harmless alternative. Recent studies clearly show they can cause serious lung diseases, especially when using liquids with additives and flavorings. EVALI and popcorn lung are striking examples. So, it’s better to think twice before you start vaping—especially if you’re a teenager.
Health is something money can’t buy. And quitting vaping is one of the easiest steps you can take to protect it for the long run.
