Research has not proven that vaping causes lung cancer.
Some of the chemicals found in e-cigarettes are known to cause cancer.
Since 2014, they have surpassed cigarettes as the preferred tobacco product among middle and high school students.
Verywell / Laura Porter
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) does not include nicotine on its list of carcinogens.
Propylene Glycol and Cancer
Propylene glycol is an additive in food.
It is also used to make antifreeze and paint.
More thorough investigations are needed to determine a clear connection between this chemical and lung cancer.
Reported cases of EVALI have increased with the rise of e-cigarette use in the United States.
Acrolein is a chemical used to kill weeds.
Acetaldehyde is used to produce herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical mixtures.
The condition was first observed among workers in a popcorn factory that used diacetyl in the popcorn’s ingredients.
Thus the name “popcorn lung.”
Today, diacetyl is a common chemical used in many flavored e-cigarette oils.
This can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
The symptoms of lipoid pneumonia are similar to other lung diseases and can include cough or shortness of breath.
This disease can be especially dangerous because it is difficult to diagnose and treat.
Collapsed Lung
Pneumothoraxis the clinical term for a collapsed lung.
Secondhand Vaping
Breathing in secondhand cigarette smoke is known to be dangerous.
However, there is little evidence about the risk of inhaling secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes.
Some early studies show that vaping increases the number of fine particles in a room.
These may enter deep into the lungs of a non-vapor in the room.
It’s possible this could impact heart and lung health.
More research is needed to determine the long-term effects of e-cigarettes, including lung cancer risk.
If you want to quit smoking, talk to your healthcare provider about FDA-approved options.
Vaping may lead to cigarette smoke.
Summary
E-cigarettes contain toxic and addictive chemicals.
Though the long-term risks of e-cigarette use are still being researched, proceed with caution.
Vaping is risky for adults and never safe for young people.
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