Many parents may think that vaping is a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, but the truth is that secondhand vapor has risks. The liquid in e-cigarettes contains chemicals like nicotine and solvents, while its aerosol has been shown to contain volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde and carcinogenic benzene.
Nicotine
Nicotine is a harmful substance that can lead to lung damage. It may also negatively impact a developing fetus, leading to low birth weight and premature delivery.
When people vape, they produce a cloud of vapor that can carry harmful chemicals, including nicotine. When this vapor is inhaled, it can expose users to many side effects, such as coughing, congestion, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It can also irritate the throat and eyes and make it difficult to smell or taste food.
Smoking tobacco and vaping can also lead to an increased risk of heart disease and increase the likelihood of a lung infection such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD. It can also decrease appetite and reduce energy levels, making it hard to maintain a healthy weight. It can also cause acid reflux and worsen the symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infections, which are responsible for stomach ulcers and gastritis.
When smoke and vapor settle on surfaces, they become third-hand aerosol. When inhaled, it can cause DNA damage and may increase your chances of cancer and respiratory illness. That is particularly true for infants, children, and people with asthma, allergies, and other lung conditions. That’s why it is vital to make your homes, workspaces, and vehicles smoke and vape-free places. It will help to keep everyone healthier, especially young children who are the most vulnerable.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a chemical found in some vaporizers, especially the ones used to heat liquids into a vapor. It has been linked to various health problems, including lung disease and cancer. Exposure to secondhand vapor can also lead to respiratory symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
The substance may be absorbed through the skin, and breathing it in may irritate the respiratory system. Please take necessary precautions to avoid direct contact with the chemical. It is also a known carcinogen and can be toxic to the immune, nervous, and respiratory systems. It can also damage DNA and cause cell death. It is commonly used in embalming fluid and has been shown to increase the risk of nasopharyngeal and sinonasal cancers.
According to a report published in JAMA Network Open, a new study found that exposure to secondhand vape vapor is on the rise among teenagers. Researchers analyzed survey responses from 17,000 to 20,000 teens and found that teenagers exposed to secondhand aerosols rose from one in four students in 2015 to about a third last year. According to the study, those who own or use e-cigarettes and live with smokers are likelier to be exposed to secondhand vapor than those who don’t smoke or vape.
While it is not traditional smoke, creating vapor from liquids or nicotine involves heating the inner battery-charged chamber at high temperatures. The user inhales this vapor, exposing people to harmful chemicals and heavy metals. Studies of the air in vape shops have found that levels of formaldehyde, nicotine, and other toxins are below occupational exposure limits but remain present.
Propylene Glycol
While secondhand smoke is well-known to be dangerous, many people are unaware that inhaling the vapor or aerosol from e-cigarettes may also harm their health. It is because the vapor from these devices contains all of the same chemicals as cigarette smoke, including nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol, and food-grade flavorings. When a battery heats these ingredients, they releases toxins like formaldehyde and heavy metals into the air. These chemicals then enter the lungs and bloodstream and can cause long-term damage.
One of the most common uses for propylene glycol is as a solvent and thickener. It is used in many cosmetics because of its humectant properties, which moisturize skin. It is also used in lipsticks to preserve their consistency and helps keep body lotions smooth. The chemical is also known to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in foods. However, some people are sensitive to propylene glycol and may develop a rash when exposed to it on the skin.
If ingested in large doses, propylene glycol can acidify the blood and lead to toxicity. In this situation, the kidneys cannot immediately restore the blood’s alkalinity, which causes acidosis, which can be fatal if left untreated. The chemical is also toxic to the liver and can damage the heart.
Diethylene Glycol
Regarding e-cigarettes, the liquid inside is a mixture of glycerin, Propylene Glycol, food-grade flavorings, and nicotine. These ingredients may sound scary, but they are all used in everything from soap and toothpaste to ice cream. Unlike traditional tobacco smoke, the vapor produced by e-cigarettes has no known harmful effects on bystanders.
But according to a new study, exposure to secondhand vape vapor has spiked among teens. Researchers surveyed thousands of middle and high school students about their experiences with secondhand smoke and vapor. They found that self-reported exposure to e-cigarette vapor rose from about 25.2% of students in 2015 to 33.2% in 2018.
In addition to wheezing symptoms, the survey also looked at bronchitis symptoms, including coughing, congestion, phlegm, and shortness of breath. The researchers found that teens exposed to secondhand vapor had twice the risk of experiencing bronchitis symptoms, even if they didn’t smoke or vape themselves.
The researchers suspect this is because of diethylene glycol’s hygroscopic properties, which help draw moisture from the air. At room temperature, it is a simple, water-white, almost odorless liquid soluble in a wide range of organic solvents. It’s used as a dehydrating agent for natural gas, as a raw material for producing plasticizers and polyester resins, and to make morpholine and 1,4-dioxane.