Why E-Cigarettes Are Not a Safe Alternative to Smoking Cigarettes
Chemicals used in the flavoring of electronic cigarettes may impair the function of cilia in the human airway. Cilia are antennae-like things that protrude in the airway. They keep it clear of mucus and dirt which allow people to breathe more easily and without irritation. Impaired cilia function has been linked to lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Find out why e-cigarettes are more damaging than regular cigarettes.
Inhaling Chemicals
Flavoring chemicals like diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione was in more than 90 percent of e-cigarettes tested in a recent study. People who use these are heating and inhaling flavoring chemicals not tested for safety. Workers making them receive warnings about inhaling flavoring chemicals so why do people who use the e-cigs on that end not receive the same warning is the question. Diacetyl is used as a flavoring agent in butter-flavored microwave popcorn, candy, and baked goods. It is considered safe for food but it can be linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, a disease that was dubbed ‘popcorn lung’ for workers who inhaled in processing factories for artificial butter flavor popcorn.
Gene Expression
The researchers found even low levels of both chemicals affected gene expression, suggesting current standards of safe limits of exposure to chemicals may not be sufficient. There are no standards for e-cigarette users. The challenge is that people using them don’t always realize all the side effects since these are new to market items. Cigarettes have been around a lot longer so more people realize the effects they may have. Yet, some still decide to smoke anyways.
Flavoring or not, the risk of smoking increases the chances of certain types of cancers, COPD, cardiopulmonary issues and other problems. The risk of cardiovascular disease and health risk goes up the longer you smoke but also if you drink, this compounds the issue. It is best to look at smoking cessation programs and trying to quit while you still can. The risk of smoking long term is greater than if you quit now and let your body heal and recover. Most treatment programs for addiction will support you in addressing issues like smoking along with other therapeutic help for addiction recovery.
The Palmetto Center is based on a Therapeutic Community model. We help people learn how to live free of addiction. Our community support provides structure while trained counselors offer life skills training and therapeutic techniques to help you move past addiction. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
