(Knowledge Resource) VAPING Addiction Facts.

Vaping, often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, carries significant health risks. Below is a comprehensive list of documented harms associated with vaping, supported by scientific studies and reputable health organizations.

### **1. Respiratory Issues**  

- **Popcorn Lung (Bronchiolitis Obliterans):** Some e-liquids contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to this severe lung disease.  

  *Source: [American Lung Association, 2020](https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/lung-health)*  

- **EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury):** A severe condition causing lung damage, linked to vitamin E acetate in THC vapes.  

  *Source: [CDC, 2020](https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html)*  

- **Chronic Bronchitis & Asthma:** Vaping irritates airways, increasing the risk of chronic bronchitis and worsening asthma.  

  *Source: [American Thoracic Society, 2019](https://www.thoracic.org/)*  

### **2. Cardiovascular Risks**  

- **Increased Heart Rate & Blood Pressure:** Nicotine in vapes spikes adrenaline, raising heart attack and stroke risks.  

  *Source: [Journal of the American Heart Association, 2019](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.012317)*  

- **Endothelial Dysfunction:** Vaping damages blood vessels, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.  

  *Source: [European Heart Journal, 2020](https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/41/4057/5898940)*  

### **3. Nicotine Addiction & Brain Development**  

- **Highly Addictive:** Many vapes contain high nicotine levels, leading to dependence.  

  *Source: [Surgeon General’s Report, 2016](https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/reports-and-publications/tobacco/index.html)*  

- **Adolescent Brain Harm:** Nicotine disrupts brain development in teens, affecting memory and attention.  

  *Source: [National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 2020](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping-devices-electronic-cigarettes)*  

### **4. Toxic Chemical Exposure**  

- **Formaldehyde & Acrolein:** Vaping at high temps produces carcinogens like formaldehyde.  

  *Source: [New England Journal of Medicine, 2015](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc1413069)*  

- **Heavy Metals (Lead, Nickel, Chromium):** Some e-cigarettes leak toxic metals from coils.  

  *Source: [Environmental Health Perspectives, 2018](https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP2175)*  

### **5. Oral Health Problems**  

- **Gum Disease & Tooth Decay:** Vaping reduces saliva, increasing cavity and gum disease risks.  

  *Source: [Journal of Periodontology, 2020](https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/JPER.19-0447)*  

- **Oral Lesions & Cell Damage:** E-liquids cause oxidative stress, leading to mouth sores and DNA damage.  

  *Source: [Tobacco Induced Diseases, 2019](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6652217/)*  

### **6. Secondhand Vape Exposure**  

- **Passive Nicotine & Toxin Inhalation:** Non-users nearby absorb nicotine and harmful chemicals.  

  *Source: [American Heart Association, 2019](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000669)*  

### **7. Explosion & Injury Risks**  

- **Battery Explosions:** Faulty vape batteries can cause burns and facial injuries.  

  *Source: [U.S. Fire Administration, 2017](https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/electronic_cigarettes.pdf)*  

### **8. Gateway to Smoking**  

- **Youth More Likely to Smoke:** Teens who vape are 3x more likely to start smoking cigarettes.  

  *Source: [JAMA Pediatrics, 2018](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2680256)*  

### **9. Unknown Long-Term Effects**  

- **Lack of Research:** Vaping is relatively new, and long-term health impacts (e.g., cancer risk) remain unclear.  

  *Source: [World Health Organization (WHO), 2021](https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/e-cigarettes-how-risky-are-they)*  

### **Conclusion**  

Vaping poses serious health risks, including lung disease, heart problems, addiction, and exposure to toxic chemicals. While it may be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, it is **not safe**, especially for youth and non-smokers.  

For more information, consult:  

- [CDC – Vaping Risks](https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm)  

- [FDA – Vaping Dangers](https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/products-ingredients-components/e-cigarettes-vapes-other-electronic-nicotine-delivery-systems-ends)  

- [American Lung Association – Vaping Facts](https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping)