E-cigarettes use a battery to heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other additives to produce an aerosol that users inhale. They can also be used to deliver cannabinoids such as marijuana or other drugs. E-cigarette use among youth and young adults has increased substantially in recent years. According to the latest data, about one-quarter of middle and high school students have ever tried e-cigarettes.

The main component of e-liquids is nicotine (Nicotine) which is addictive and can lead to serious health problems if not stopped. However, e-liquids can also contain other chemicals that are harmful, such as heavy metals, diacetyl, and volatile organic compounds. These chemicals can cause respiratory irritation, inflammatory responses and possibly even cellular damage.

The nicotine in e-cigarettes can interfere with the normal development of the lungs and may harm the heart. It can also increase the risk of getting cancer. Nicotine can also affect the brain of children and teenagers. It can make them more aggressive and less able to control their emotions, as well as slow their reaction times.

In addition to nicotine, e-liquids can contain flavourings that are potentially toxic to the human lung. For example, a popular creme brulee flavour has been found to contain high concentrations of benzoic acid, a chemical known as an irritant and carcinogen. This flavouring can lead to the formation of granulomas in the airways of chronic vapers and induce bronchioalveolar inflammation and hyperplasia.

Studies have shown that the cytotoxicity of e-cigarette aerosols depends on the specific chemicals that are inhaled. For example, a study found that the chocolate-flavouring agent 2,5-dimethypyrazine induced toxicity in airway epithelial cells and inhibited CFTR activity. This is a significant finding since the use of e-cigarettes is associated with an increased risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Other factors that influence the toxicity of e-cigarettes are their formulation and the way they are used. Some e-cigarettes have higher nicotine concentrations than others and some devices can deliver the nicotine much faster than other products. The e-liquids themselves can also be different, for example some have lower pH levels than others and this can influence the delivery of the nicotine to the lungs.

Another important factor to consider is second-hand exposure from vaping. It is advisable to vape only in places that are smoke-free. It is also advisable to avoid exposing people who do not vape to nicotine and other harmful chemicals when they are around you. Talk to your healthcare provider, therapist or quitline counselor about strategies that will help you stop smoking. Ask about free resources that can help you quit using tools such as online, text or phone support and apps. Keep in mind that it takes time to quit and you might need to try multiple approaches before you succeed. Keep trying and remember that you are not alone, your friends and family want to support you. Make a list of reasons why you want to quit and refer to it when you feel tempted to vape. 電子煙