Vaping has seemingly taken the world by storm, with its popularity skyrocketing in recent years. While many adults have embraced vaping as an alternative to traditional smoking, there’s a growing concern about its safety, especially given the rise in its prevalence among teenagers.
A startling statistic reveals that as many as one in five 15-year-olds have tried vaping. This surge, coupled with reports of health issues and device malfunctions, prompts a pressing question: Are vaping devices dangerous?
The truth is, at present, there isn’t enough data to give a definitive answer. As vaping’s popularity has only recently spiked, it will be some time before the data surfaces regarding device safety.
However, let’s explore the various facets of vaping and its potential risks based on the available information.
Potential Health Implications of Using Vaping Devices
Vaping, while often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, has recently raised significant health concerns.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has linked vaping to 200 health problems, including pneumonia and heart disorders. These concerns stem from 74 “Yellow Card” reports filed by the public and healthcare professionals, with 49 of these complaints since 2014 being classified as serious.
A notable case from London highlighted a 38-year-old man who developed a vaping-related lung injury (EVALI) after using home-manufactured cannabis oil in his e-cigarette. Thankfully, with medical intervention, he recovered. However, this isn’t an isolated incident.
The United States, where vaping has been popular for longer, has reported more alarming figures. As of February 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,807 EVALI cases and 68 related deaths. The figure today is likely significantly higher.
It’s worth noting that many of these cases involved individuals who modified their vaping devices. However, research from Johns Hopkins University has shed light on the chemical ingredients in vape products. While many remain unidentified (a worrying insight in itself), some known substances include potentially harmful elements like pesticides and flavourings linked to respiratory irritation.
The Risk of Fires and Explosions with Vaping Devices
One of the most alarming concerns regarding vaping devices is the potential for these devices to catch fire or even explode. The culprit? The lithium-ion batteries that power them.
Imagine going about your day, and suddenly, the vape device in your pocket explodes. This isn’t a fictional scenario but a reality for a London man who experienced just that. The explosion was so intense that it left him with third-degree burns.
But it’s not just individual users who face risks. The UK has seen a dramatic rise in fires at recycling plants directly linked to disposable vapes. These single-use devices, also powered by lithium-ion batteries, can easily ignite if damaged. With over 1.3 million disposable vapes discarded weekly in the UK, many end up in general waste and have caused more than 700 fires in bin lorries and recycling centres.
So, what’s causing these incidents? Often, it’s down to improper handling or storage. For instance, a vape battery stored in a pocket with coins or keys can short circuit, leading to an explosion. Overcharging the battery or using an incompatible charger can also pose risks.
To stay safe, it’s crucial to handle and store vaping devices with care. Always charge them on a solid surface away from flammable items, and if carrying loose batteries, ensure they’re stored in a container, away from objects that could cause a short circuit.
And remember, always dispose of disposable vapes responsibly to prevent larger-scale incidents.
Chemical Exposure from Vaping Devices
While we’ve touched on the broader health implications of vaping, it’s essential to delve deeper into the specific chemicals present in e-liquids and their potential risks.
E-liquids are a concoction of various chemicals. These include nicotine, solvent carriers like propylene glycol and glycerol, and other substances. But what might surprise you is the presence of harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Research has detected formaldehyde in the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes. In fact, one study found it in a quarter of all e-liquids tested, with increased prevalence in pods or disposable vaping devices.
But formaldehyde isn’t the only concern. Other harmful aldehydes, including acetaldehyde and acrolein, have been found in e-cigarette aerosols. These chemicals are not just benign substances – they’re linked to lung and cardiovascular diseases.
What’s worse is that heating e-liquids can increase concentrations of harmful compounds in the aerosol you inhale. For instance, a higher e-cigarette power output or an ageing heating element can lead to increased metal emissions. Chronic exposure to these metals has been linked to various health issues, from oral cancer to neurodegeneration.
So, while vaping is often viewed as a favourable alternative to traditional smoking, it’s crucial to be aware of the exposure risks. The e-liquids used in vaping devices are a cocktail of various chemicals, some of which have known health risks.
Regarding the others, nobody yet knows the risks associated with long-term exposure.
Vaping Devices: A Safety Verdict
Vaping’s meteoric rise in popularity has brought with it a slew of concerns and questions. From the health implications of the chemicals in e-liquids to the physical dangers of device malfunctions, it’s clear that while vaping might be marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it’s not without its risks.
The concerns are even more pressing for institutions like schools, workplaces, and public spaces. With the rise in underage vaping and the potential risks associated with vaping devices, it’s essential to have deterrents in place.
If you’re looking to implement vaping deterrents in your environment or simply want more information regarding the dangers associated with these activities, please get in touch. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
