E-Cigarettes: A Nicoteenage Wasteland (Part 2)

On this episode of the pod, we continue our conversation on e-cigarettes. Last week, we focused on the harms of nicotine itself, but this week we start our discussion on the harms of other ingredients in e-cigarettes including toxic chemicals and heavy metals. We spend some time discussing popcorn lung-- a serious lung disease caused by e-cigarette use. We discuss the flavorings in e-cigarettes and some recent research conducted on their impact on health outcomes including vascular issues, cardiac health, and wound healing. We dig into the current body of evidence on whether e-cigarettes are an effective cessation tool (spoiler alert: the evidence is mixed) and how some smokers become dual users of traditional cigarettes and e-cigs. We also discuss how many people (especially youth) are looking to quit vaping and some resources available to assist them in their cessation efforts. We then discuss how vaping can lead to smoking initiation among non-smokers (especially youth). Finally, we discuss some issues around regulation and the legality of marketing tactics.

PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals.  Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual.  As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional.  If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. 

Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance.

RESOURCES

• Microwave Popcorn to Omit Risky Chemical

• Chemicals Linked with Severe Respiratory Disease Found in Common E-Cigarette Flavors

• Popcorn Lung: A Dangerous Risk of Flavored E-Cigarettes

• Effects of Cigarette Smoke on the Immune System

• Everything You Need to Know About Nicotine

• E-cigarettes: Facts, Stats and Regulations

• Modeling Cardiovascular Risks of E-Cigarettes With Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Endothelial Cells

• Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults

• Youth Tobacco Use: Results from the National Youth Tobacco Survey

• Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy

• Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products

• Effectiveness of a Vaping Cessation Text Message Program Among Young Adult e-Cigarette Users

• THIS IS QUITTING

• Truth Initiative

• Truth Initiative’s Quit Vaping Program Effective in Helping 18- to 24-Year-Olds

• Most Young E-Cigarette Users Say They Want to Quit Vaping In 2021

• The Effect of E-Cigarettes on Smoking Cessation and Cigarette Smoking Initiation: An Evidence-Based Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis

• Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With Subsequent Initiation of Tobacco Cigarettes in US Youths