- By Priyanka Munshi
- Thu, 30 May 2024 03:16 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
World No Tobacco Day 2024: Although e-cigarettes are sometimes thought of as a safer option than traditional smoking, they come with a number of health hazards. They contain nicotine, which is extremely addictive and can stunt adolescent brain development. Additionally, using e-cigarettes exposes users to toxic and dangerous compounds like formaldehyde and acrolein, which can affect the heart and lungs. The aerosol from e-cigarettes has also been linked to diseases such as asthma and bronchitis and can irritate the respiratory system. Therefore, even though e-cigarettes are promoted as a safer alternative, they can actually be harmful to overall health. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, discussed how e-cigarettes harm the body.
World No Tobacco Day 2024(Image Credit:Freepik)
According to Dr. Mandeep, the distinction between conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes lies primarily in the medium through which nicotine is consumed. In traditional cigarettes, nicotine is inhaled through the smoke produced by burning tobacco. This process involves combustion, which releases harmful substances into the smoke. In contrast, e-cigarettes use a battery-operated apparatus called an atomizer to produce vapor. This vapor contains dissolved nicotine and is inhaled by the user.
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He added that, despite the different delivery methods, the nicotine present in both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes is equally addictive. Nicotine is a potent substance that can have significant psychological effects, impact brain function, and cause various health issues. It poses risks to the respiratory system, leading to lung and other respiratory problems. Furthermore, nicotine can contribute to cardiovascular issues, increasing the risk of heart disease. It is also a potential carcinogen, meaning it can contribute to the development of cancer.
World No Tobacco Day 2024(Image Credit:Freepik)
The vapor produced by e-cigarettes, while lacking the combustion products found in smoke, still contains harmful substances. These include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, which are known to cause damage to lung tissue and other parts of the body. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage and cancer, said Dr. Mandeep.
Dr. Mandeep concluded that although e-cigarettes eliminate some of the harmful effects associated with the smoke from traditional cigarettes, they are not without their own risks. The nicotine in e-cigarettes remains a dangerous and addictive substance, and the vapor contains harmful chemicals that can cause significant health problems. Both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes carry serious health risks, and their use should be approached with caution due to the potential for long-term damage to the body.