Vaping and e-cigarettes may be just as bad as smoking

E-cigarette vapor may not contain tar-like cigarette smoke does, but it still contains many chemicals that harm your body. Despite the term “vapor,” the mist that comes out of an e-cigarette is not water. E-cigarette vapor contains propylene glycol or glycerin, typically used in fog machines. These chemicals cause respiratory issues when inhaled in high concentrations. In fact, none of the ingredients in vape liquid are shown to be safe for inhalation, and the FDA does not require safety testing.

The relative lack of e-cigarette research is frightening considering their tendency for addiction. Nicotine is highly addictive, and some e-cigarettes contain double the concentration found in normal cigarettes. Signs of addiction include being unable to go more than a few hours without vaping, using it first thing in the morning, or experiencing strong cravings that interrupt other activities. 

If you would like to quit, speak with your healthcare provider. Consider nicotine replacement therapy like gum, lozenges, or patches to help wean your body off nicotine.