They Aren’t as Safe as You Think – E-Cigarettes, Vapes, and Juuls Have Been Linked to Heart Attacks, Artery Disease, and Depression.

“E-cigarettes and vapes are safe,” is the biggest lie tobacco companies tell adults and teenagers today. No matter what you call it – ecigs, vapes, or Juuls – smoking with an electronic device is dangerous for your health in more ways than one. In fact, the American College of Cardiology recently completed a study that linked electronic smoking devices to heart attacks, artery disease, and depression. At Primo Prevention, we are helping parents, schools, and other adults take a stand against e-cigarette use and helping teenagers realize the dangers of vaping and juuling.

The Dangers of Vape Smoke and E-Cigarettes and How They Hurt Your Health

E-cigarette use has grown significantly over the years. The FDA reports that e-cig use has increased 78 percent among high school students between 2017 to 2018 alone, and as

many as 1 in 20 Americans use e-cigs today. Many believe that vape smoking devices are safer than regular cigarettes. However, evidence has finally come to light that e-cigarettes are not as safe as people think.

To start, most e-cigarette devices contain nicotine, which is the leading chemical that causes addiction to traditional cigarettes. The claim that e-cigarettes help traditional cigarette smokers stop smoking comes into question when they use many of the same chemicals, including addictive nicotine.

In addition, the 2019 study by the American College of Cardiology has proven that e-cigarette users suffer from serious health risks. When compared to non-users, people who used electronic smoking devices were “56 percent more likely to have a heart attack and 30 percent more likely to suffer a stroke.” People who vape generally have a higher risk for coronary artery disease and circulatory problems as well.

Physical health risks weren’t the only topic that the study covered. According to the research, people who vape are also 55 percent more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. After years of concern and suspicion, vapers, juulers, and e-cigarette users are finally facing the reality that electronic smoking devices are bad for their physical and mental health. With all the risks associated with e-cigs, Primo Prevention is raising awareness about them with educational materials, especially for teenagers who face additional risks when using e-cigarettes.

Why Teenagers are More at Risk

As many as one in five high schoolers and one in 20 middle schoolers used e-cigarettes according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2018. The alarmingly high-use rate can be attributed to the e-cigarette company’s great success in marketing to teenagers by promoting flavorful nicotine products. With as many as 7,700 flavors including strawberry, mint, and banana, 81 percent of young e-cigarette users say that the flavors are the primary reason they used a vape device in the first place. Teenagers don’t realize the additional risks they take when using these devices at such a young age.

Teenagers and young adults are affected by nicotine exposure the most. As the human brain is not fully developed until about 25 years of age, the exposure to the toxic chemicals in e-cigarettes cause an increase in behavioral risks. While early addiction and the reasons mentioned earlier are a problem, teenagers also face the additional risks of reduced impulse control, shortage in attention and cognition, and mood disorders, which could follow them for the rest of their lives.

With the new study and the ongoing research that is showing the dangers of e-cigarettes, Primo Prevention is helping teenagers, parents, schools, health centers, and more face the truth and stand up against e-cigarette companies. To learn more about the dangers of e-cigarettes or get materials to educate the teenagers and young adults in your life, call Primo Prevention today at 512-285-9895.