You must have heard a lot about E-cigarettes, their rising trends and many controversial statements regarding their use. If you are still clueless and want a final answer to your questions, then keep on reading. I am here to let you know some interesting facts and burst some surprising myths about the use of e-cigarettes.
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or E-cigarettes have an extensive consumption trend all over the world as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. The significant growth of e-cigarettes over the past decade is due to the growing health concerns regarding the use of conventional tobacco-based cigarettes.
A Sneak Peek Into The History Of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes were first introduced as an alternative to traditional cigarettes by Chinese pharmacist Hon Li k, in 2003. This first e-cigarette was then introduced in the Chinese market in 2004.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is responsible for kills more than 8 million people per year. These deaths include 7 million of direct tobacco users and around 1.2 million non-smokers who are being exposed to second-hand smoke.
Therefore, to prevent the damage caused to the non-smoker’s people are now shifting towards smoke-less cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
The United States has the largest e-cigarette market for sale. However, the new taxation rules regarding the trade of e-cigarettes among the states of the country can prove to be potential threats for market growth during the forecast period.
What Are Electronic Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are Vaping devices that operate with battery. These devices work by inhaling an aerosol containing a blend of flavorings, nicotine content, and other chemicals. These electronic cigarettes often resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.
Moreover, they are marketed in the form of USB memory sticks or pens packed in alluring e liquid boxes. Do you know that today’s market contains more than 460 different e-cigarette brands?
E-cigarettes come in the markets by various other names such as;
-1. E-cigs
-2. Hookah pens
-3. E-hookahs
-4. Vape pens
-5. Vapes
-6. Mods (powerful and customizable vaporizers)
How Do These Vaping Devices Function?
An electronic cigarette consists of four different components which include;
-1. a cartridge, pod or reservoir that holds a liquid solution (e-liquid or e-juice) containing nicotine content, other chemicals, and flavorings
-2. an atomizer for heating
-3. a power source in the form of a battery
-4. a mouthpiece for inhaling
The process of vaping starts with puffing, which activates the battery-powered heating device, thus vaporizing the liquid in the cartridge. The person then inhales the resulting vapor or aerosol.
How Our Brain Reacts To Vaping?
The nicotine content present in e-liquids is readily and instantly absorbed from the lungs and enters into the bloodstream. This nicotine upon entering the blood stimulates adrenal glands to secrete the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline).
Epinephrine sends signals to the central nervous system, and as a result, our blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate increase.
Similar to other addictive substances, nicotine also activates the reward circuits of the brain and also escalates the levels of a brain chemical called dopamine. This chemical reinforces rewarding behaviors and causes pleasure.
This nicotine’s interaction with the brain’s reward circuit motivates some people to use the product repeatedly despite the risks to their well-being and health.
What Age Group Is More Vulnerable To The Hazardous Effects Of E-Cigarettes?
Early teen years are very important and critical for brain development. Young adults, who use nicotine in any form, including e-cigarettes, are at risk for long-lasting effects. Using nicotine for a long period leads to nicotine addiction by altering the development of the brain’s reward system.
Do you have any idea how this unhealthy habit of nicotine Vaping can make you an addict of other drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine?
Electronic cigarettes having high nicotine content being sold in fancy packaging boxes can also affect the development of brain circuits that control learning and attention. Other risks include the inability of impulse control (failure to fight an impulse or urge that may harm others or oneself) and mood disorders.
The Rising Trend Of Vaping In Teens
The trend of Vaping is increasing among teens and are and youth in the United States. Research shows that most of them do not even have proper knowledge that these vaping cartridges contain nicotine.
Health experts, physicians, and doctors blame the easy availability of these devices, advertisements in the form of alluring e liquid boxes, and the myth that they’re safer than cigarettes for the rising trend. Further, research conducted to observe the ratio of smokers in high school students found that one in every four teens were using e-cigarettes.
Upon asking Teens, verified the following reasons for vaping e-cigarettes: to improve flavors (38.7 percent), to create thicker vapor (63.5 percent), and to produce a stronger throat hit (27.7 percent).
Can E-Cigarettes Help In Smoking Cessation?
There is a great myth in the society that e-cigarettes may help lowering nicotine cravings, thus helping people to quit smoking. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of e-cigarettes for long-term smoking cessation.
Moreover, these e-cigarettes are not even FDA-approved as a quit aid. There are only seven FDA-approved quit aids that are scientifically proven as safe and effective when used as directed.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are using electronic cigarettes to quit smoking, don’t believe the myths and get expert help. Use only FDA approved quit aids.
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