Electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular over
the past few years, and I have remained skeptical about their supposed benefits
over traditional cigarettes. They have not been
in use long enough to effectively study the long-term effects on the body, and
it is still unclear whether they are superior to cigarettes. I found an article
on Environmental Health News regarding second-hand vape exposure in teens that
I found particularly interesting (listed below). Second-hand exposure has increased
nearly 30 percent in middle school and high school aged children in just three
years. There are increasing concerns regarding potential health effects of the
numerous chemicals found in the different liquids used in these devices. An article
from Kaiser (also listed below) reports a serious lung illness found in
patients in several states that is likely linked to vaping. Many smokers and
former smokers still see vaping as a healthier alternative to traditional tobacco
cigarettes. It is imperative for us as healthcare providers to ensure that
these patients understand the potential risks of electronic cigarettes and to
help them find better alternatives.
Looking at a few of my personal care products that I use on
a daily basis, I was a bit surprised at the number of toxic and carcinogenic
chemicals I found. For example, in my CC cream from It Cosmetics that I use
every day, I found that it has a very high potential for causing reproductive
and developmental toxicity. One particular ingredient, retinyl palmitate
(vitamin A) had the highest level of toxicity including cancer, reproductive
toxicity, and other non-reproductive organ toxicity. I don’t know that this
information will particularly cause me to change the products that I use
because the EWG website does not give specifics about how much these products
would increase my chance of developing cancer, and I am not concerned about
things like fertility. I do believe that consumers should be given this
information outright, and it would be beneficial to have policies requiring
more specific information regarding cancer risk and potential for reproductive
harm directly on the label. Being a nurse, it is my responsibility to share
this information with my patients and to educate them about reading labels and determining
which products are safest.
I agree, the use of vapor cigarettes have not been under research for long enough and including that because the second hand smoke is even more dangerous because after I watch the news recently I found a few person that have gotten cancer in the lung more vapor cigarettes. The population needs to be educated on the use of vapor cigars, many does not know the harm they can cause
ReplyDeleteOne of the concerns associated with vaping comes from a study published in the journal "Pediatrics" that noted substantially increased levels of five carcinogen compounds in the urine of teenagers who vape. In addition, hypertension is occurring in teens due to the effects of nicotine and increased adrenaline levels. Heart attack, stroke and other long-term health issues are now being presented across the country in emergency departments and cancer centers. Along with nicotine, the vaping liquids contain additives like propylene glycol and glycerol. These toxic chemicals are definitely linked to cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease. Another study published in the American Heart Association journal "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology" showed that various vape concoctions/flavors pose dangers to endothelial cells. Researchers concluded that the flavors in the vaping liquids inhibit cell function and increase cell death and this action creates adverse cardiovascular health.
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