A recent study has confirmed that traditional tobacco cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigarettes, and waterpipes may all be hazardous to human health.

Study Compares Cigarette and Vaping Health Risks

According to a report published in the European Heart Journal in June, the tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest threats to human health.

Although the use of traditional cigarettes and tobacco products has been declining for several years, vape pens and alternative tobacco products such as shisha or hookah have risen. These products have been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but they may be just as dangerous, if not more so. In many cases, vape pens or water pipes have been touted as a way for traditional cigarette smokers to reduce their health risks. However, these trendy products may also act as a gateway for people who have not previously smoked.

The study listed several health risks of smoking and vaping, including COPD, lung cancer, peripheral endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery disease, arterial stiffness, myocardial infarction, stroke, and nicotine addiction. These conditions may be caused by nicotine itself, or by the toxic compounds and metals found in tobacco products, including formaldehyde, nickel, lead, and carbon monoxide.

In the case of vape pens, there may be additional dangers. Additives including propylene glycol and vitamin-E acetate are often added to nicotine vape juice. When inhaled, these substances can damage the lungs and cause e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury, known as EVALI.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019 and early 2020, nearly 3,000 people were hospitalized due to the vape-related lung condition, and at least 68 people died. Many of the people who contracted EVALI were found to have trace amounts of vitamin-E acetate in their lungs.

In addition to these risks, tobacco products may also increase the likelihood of experiencing serious side effects related to COVID-19. The contagious virus affects the respiratory system and may be additionally harmful to people who already have nicotine-related conditions like COPD or lung damage.

According to research conducted by the University of California San Francisco, smoking may almost double the likelihood of COVID-19 progressing into acute or critical stages. Compared to non-smokers, people who smoke may not be more likely to contract the condition, but they appear to be more likely to suffer a worse case of the virus if they do.

Criticism of Vaping Manufacturers

In addition to the health risks posed by vaping, many vape pen and e-cigarette manufacturers have been accused of purposefully marketing these products to children and teens. Many brands have created fun flavors of nicotine vape pods including Melon Twist, Peach Breeze, Pina Colada, Banana Ice, and Cool Mint which may be extremely appealing to minors. Some vape pens also resemble USB drives, making it easy for teens to conceal or smoke them discreetly.

Although a partial ban was issued for flavored vape pens in early 2020, the ban only applies to nicotine cartridge pods for reusable e-cigarettes. The ban does not cover disposable vape pens, which are still allowed to be sold in fruity flavors. done little to curb the use of flavored nicotine products by teens. Additionally, some studies have indicated that many teens may be unaware that they are even inhaling nicotine. Most vape pen manufacturers do not produce nicotine-free varieties. A significant portion of underage smokers has reported only smoking flavored vapor. The smooth vapor and fruity flavors may make it more difficult for teens to realize the amount of nicotine they are inhaling.

Teens and other underage smokers may also be susceptible to other vaping health risks posed by e-cigarettes and other products. Nicotine exposure may harm brain development and lead to lasting problems such as difficulty concentrating, mood disorders, and long term addiction. In some cases, seizures have been reported after exposure to nicotine vape juice.

If you or your child has been harmed by vaping health risks including nicotine addiction, damage to lung or heart health, seizures, or something else, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney about your legal options. Some victims may be able to join a class action lawsuit against the companies that manufacture these potentially dangerous products.