The Dangers of Juuling & Vaping

Just because it looks cool, doesn’t mean you have to vape too. Vaping seemed like an “alternate” solution to smoking but while this seems like a good idea, it does have its advantages and disadvantages. If you have seen people smoke vape but still have a vague idea of what it is then this article can help shed a light on that. 

What is Vaping?

Vaping or Juuling is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an e-cigarette or on a device similar to one. The term “vape” was coined due to the vapor it produces. E-cigs or also known as electronic cigarettes do not produce smoke as tobacco does but it produces a good amount of aerosol. This is often mistaken to be water vapor but it is actually made up of fine particles that contain toxic chemicals. These chemicals are also linked to cancers and respiratory diseases as well as heart diseases that could later develop in the user. 

The rise of vaping began in 2007 in the United States when the makers thought it could replace the use of cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes were not the only ones invented. As time progressed, vape pens and other devices used for vaping like MODS were also added to the list. Some of these can even be customized by the user according to their preferred smoking device. 

Contents of Vaping Device

A vape device generally consists of a mouthpiece, cartridge for the e-liquid or e-juice, a battery and the heating component for the device. When this is used, the battery heats up the component that turns the e-liquid into water vapor that is then inhaled into the lungs. This could contain propylene glycol or a vegetable glycerin-based liquid that has nicotine, artificial flavoring as well as other chemical components and metals. The main reason why vaping is “safe” because it does not contain any tobacco at all. In some customized devices, the user can use THC which can result to mind-altering effects like marijuana. Some can even vape flakka which is one of the deadliest drugs in the streets.

What is Juul?

JUUL is a smaller version of the vaping device popularly used. It is sleek and resembles a flash drive for your laptop. This design was basically done on purpose so that users can easily hide it. This is why a lot of high schools and even middle school students are hooked on JUUL. In fact, it is so popular that about 72% of the market shares of vaping products belong to this device. Thanks to its popular flavors like mango, creme brulee and combinations of fruits. While it sounds harmless, JUUL actually contains nicotine where one cartridge of its flavor is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. 

Vaping Dangers

There have been a number of reports where vaping has proven to be dangerous to the body. Even though the makers advertise their product to be “safer than smoking cigarettes”, many health care professionals now recommend caution when it comes to using it. This is also due to the fact that there has been evidence that vaping does cause harm to the body than good. So what harm can it do? Here’s what you need to know:

It can irritate the lungs which can lead to severe lung damage

According to doctors, vaping can paralyze the cilia or hair-like projections in our lungs. These projections are the ones responsible for removing the debris and microbes that we inhale. Once it is paralyzed, they can no longer protect the lungs and can increase your risk of having infections. This can cause the person to have pneumonia or chemical pneumonia which is caused by the chemicals found in vapes. Vaping can also increase the risk of respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Studies show that 30,000 people who smoked cigarettes and vape have or at risk of having respiratory problems compared to those who don’t smoke or vape at all. 

The most common signs and symptoms of users with upper respiratory infections include nausea, vomiting, chest pains, coughing, fever, weight loss and shortness of breath which can start within the 90 days of using vape or e-cigarettes. 

It can destroy your cardiovascular system

Many people believe that e-cigarettes don’t contain nicotine; this is a false belief. In fact, nicotine IS found in e-cigs and is to be blamed for the harmful effects on the cardiovascular system of the user. Nicotine is known for causing stroke, heart attacks and cardiac arrest too many smokers. That being said, people who smoke e-cigs or vape can also be at risk for these. Flavored liquids can also damage the endothelial cells, these cells are the ones responsible for lining the blood vessels and helps in controlling the contraction and relaxation of it. Endothelial cells also control the blood clotting so when they are damaged, the patient or user is at risk for bleeding. This is also the reason why vaping flavored liquids is not recommended by many physicians as they can only lead to damaged cardiovascular system. 

Vaping can cause seizures

From 2010 up to present, 35 cases of people who were suffering from seizures related to vaping have been reported. Although it is still not clear how vaping caused seizures, many experts believe that it is due to the varying levels of nicotine present in these vaping devices. Doctors believe that users may have inhaled more nicotine than expected. It could also be due to the fact that users already have underlying medical conditions that were triggered by the nicotine found in vaping liquids. 

A local fashion oganization that specializes in selling tuxedo rentals in Arizona, says its banned vaping at all its stores citing health purposes and offering their customers a vape-free atmosphere.

Vaping devices explode while in use

Not only does vaping cause medical issues, but the device itself can also cause damage. There have been many reports of vaping devices exploding; just last June 2019, a 17-year-old teen suffered from injuries when his vape device exploded while he was using it. According to the report, the teen suffered lacerations, fractured jaw and punctured chin and had to have his jaw reset – all of these just from vaping alone. It is a scary thought to think that a small device that you think was safe to use could explode anytime.

Vaping is relatively new and not much research is done about its effects just yet but it does say one truth though – vaping is generally bad for you and your health. If you want to stay healthy and live longer then don’t smoke or vape! It will probably take a lot of research and tests before anyone could announce that it is safe to smoke this or that they have a real invention that is a “safer alternative” to smoking. Whenever that is, stay away from inhaling anything artificial or man-made and if you value your health and life, you know that this is the only way to do it. Stay healthy!