Exploring Tobacco Products: A Comparative Analysis of Harm - Cigarettes, Cigars, and Vaping - Which Takes the Lead?
A Decline in Traditional Cigarette Smoking Among Adults, but an Alarming Rise in E-Cigarette Use
A decrease in cigarette smoking among adults has been celebrated, with the rate dropping from approximately 21% in 2005 to 12.5% in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Simultaneously, there's a cause for concern as the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has escalated, particularly among teenagers and young adults, with nearly 28% of high schoolers using e-cigarettes in 2019.
Dr. Humberto Choi, a pulmonologist, highlighted that the decline in traditional smoking rates, albeit notable, has been somewhat offset by the increase in vaping. E-cigarettes, unlike traditional tobacco products, are handheld devices that heat a liquid cartridge to create an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. The contents of e-liquids can vary greatly, typically containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, making them increasingly popular among younger adults and teenagers.
However, the question remains: Is vaping any safer than smoking cigarettes? Both tobacco and e-cigarette products contain nicotine, which is addictive. Both also contain cancer-causing chemicals such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde and lung-disease-inducing chemicals like crolein, diacetyl, and diethylene glycol.
While some e-cigarette vape juices may contain less nicotine than cigarettes and cigars, the convenience of vaping can lead to users taking in more nicotine throughout the day, according to Dr. Choi. Moreover, vapes can be used in places where traditional smoking is prohibited, leading to more frequent doses of nicotine and potential health risks.
Even cigars, which some people believe are safer due to fewer inhalations and less frequent use, carry similar health risks as cigarette smoking, says head and neck surgeon Dr. Brandon Prendes. These risks include oral, esophageal, pancreatic, laryngeal, and lung cancers, coronary artery disease, and aortic aneurysm.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation device despite initial expectations. Dr. Choi suggests proven techniques for smoking cessation, such as nicotine replacement therapy, prescription smoking cessation medication, exercise, and relaxation techniques.
An ongoing issue with e-cigarettes is the lack of standardization in the products and their chemical constituents. Furthermore, the contents of e-liquid can be manipulated, leading to a wide variety of chemicals being inhaled. It's also important to note that the long-term effects of vaping are still being researched.
In conclusion, it's crucial to avoid nicotine in any form as both smoking and vaping pose health risks. Current evidence indicates that while vaping presents fewer known toxins compared to smoking cigarettes, it is still not a harmless activity and long-term effects remain unclear. The CDC recommends seeking help to quit smoking and avoid starting vaping for better long-term health outcomes.
News regarding health-and-wellness highlights the decrease in traditional cigarette smoking among adults, with a drop from 21% in 2005 to 12.5% in 2020. However, the increase in e-cigarette use, particularly among teenagers and young adults, has become a growing concern in the realm of science.
Despite fewer known toxins compared to smoking cigarettes, the long-term effects of vaping remain unclear, and vapes still pose potential health risks. Therefore, the CDC advises seeking help to quit smoking and avoiding vaping for better long-term health outcomes.
