The Cardiopulmonary Complications of Vaping

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, have risen in popularity recently, especially among teenagers and young adults, because many believe they are safer than regular cigarettes. However, research has shown that the use of e-cigarettes can still lead to significant pulmonary and cardiovascular risks. E-liquids usually contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, flavorings, and sometimes tetrahydrocannabinol or other additives. When these ingredients are heated, they can produce harmful chemicals such as reactive aldehydes and other toxins that cause inflammation and other long-term effects. Studies have found a positive correlation between the use of e-cigarettes and oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial damage. Research has also linked vaping to an increase of reactive oxygen species in the blood of people like those of traditional tobacco smokers. The 2019-2020 outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury, which was strongly connected to the unregulated presence of tetrahydrocannabinol and vitamin E acetate, highlighted the serious risks of these products. Our aim is to examine the health and economic burdens posed by e-cigarette use and challenge the idea that they are a "safer" alternative to traditional tobacco smoking.