The long-term effects of e-cigarettes span multiple systems in the body. It may damage lung function, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, affect the nervous system such as cognitive function and emotional health, and pose potential threats to the reproductive system, such as affecting fertility and posing risks to pregnant women and fetuses.
E-cigarette liquid composition analysis
E-liquid, also known as e-liquid or vape juice, is the key ingredient in e-cigarettes that create vapor. The liquid vaporizes when heated, simulating traditional cigarette smoke but without the tar and other harmful chemicals.
Chemical substances contained
Nicotine: is one of the main components of e-cigarette liquid. Nicotine is extracted from tobacco and provides users with a similar experience to smoking. Although nicotine's addictive properties are controversial, most research suggests it can be harmful. Nicotine Wikipedia
Propylene Glycol: It is a colorless and odorless liquid mainly used to generate vapor. It is also commonly used in food and medicine and is considered relatively safe. However, some people may be allergic to it.
Vegetable Glycerin: This is another main ingredient in e-liquids. It is more viscous than propylene glycol and produces more vapor. Likewise, it is commonly used in food and is considered safe.
Food-grade flavors (Flavorings): These flavors are used to provide e-liquids with a variety of flavors, such as fruits, desserts, and drinks. Although they are considered safe in food, they may have health effects when inhaled.
Long-term effects of e-cigarettes on the respiratory system
As a new tobacco product in recent years, the impact of e-cigarettes on health has become the focus of public attention. Although e-cigarettes are viewed by some as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, their long-term effects on the respiratory system are still being studied.
E-cigarettes and asthma and other respiratory diseases
Asthma is a common respiratory disease that affects millions of people. Certain ingredients in e-cigarettes may cause irritation to asthma patients and further aggravate their condition.
Nicotine: Nicotine, one of the main ingredients in e-cigarettes, is thought to cause constriction of the airways, which may worsen asthma symptoms.
Flavors: Some people are allergic to food-grade flavors in e-liquids, which can cause asthma attacks or other breathing problems.
In addition to asthma, vaping has also been linked to other respiratory illnesses, such as chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.
Direct effects of e-cigarettes on the lungs
E-cigarette liquid produces vapors when heated, and the chemicals in these vapors may cause direct damage to the lungs.
Cell damage: E-cigarette vapor may cause oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in lung cells, and long-term inhalation may damage lung cells.
Inflammatory reaction: Certain substances in e-cigarette vapor, such as metals and other particles, may cause an inflammatory reaction in the lungs.
Difficulty breathing: Prolonged use of e-cigarettes may cause difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and chest discomfort.
Long-term effects of e-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system
Although e-cigarettes are viewed by some as a safer option than traditional cigarettes, their potential effects on the cardiovascular system have attracted widespread concern in the medical community. Here are some specific studies on the effects of e-cigarettes on the cardiovascular system.
E-cigarettes and high blood pressure
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. E-cigarettes may pose the following risks to people with high blood pressure:
Effect of nicotine: Nicotine is the main ingredient in e-cigarettes. It causes the heart rate to increase and blood vessels to constrict, which may lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Long-term nicotine use may cause persistent increases in blood pressure.
Increased heart rate: Among people who use e-cigarettes for a long time, the heart rate is on average 5-10 beats/minute faster than non-users, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Increased stress response: E-cigarettes may increase oxidative stress in the body, leading to impaired vascular function and increasing the risk of hypertension.
Link between e-cigarettes and coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is related to many lifestyle factors, including smoking.
Arteriosclerosis: Certain chemicals in e-cigarettes, such as nicotine and flavors, may promote the process of arteriosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart disease.
Platelet aggregation: Some studies suggest that e-cigarettes may increase the risk of platelet aggregation, a key factor in coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction.
Vascular inflammation: E-cigarette vapor may increase the inflammatory response of vascular endothelium, further aggravating the risk of coronary heart disease.
Long-term effects of e-cigarettes on the nervous system
Although e-cigarettes are relatively new alternative tobacco products, their effects on the nervous system have attracted the attention of scholars and doctors. Here are some studies on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on the nervous system.
E-cigarettes and cognitive function
Cognitive function refers to the brain's ability to process information, think, and remember. E-cigarettes may have the following effects on cognitive function:
Stimulating effects of nicotine: Nicotine temporarily stimulates the brain, making it more alert and focused. However, long-term nicotine use may cause the brain to become dependent on it, thereby reducing natural cognitive function.
Memory impairment: Some preliminary research suggests that long-term e-cigarette users may experience short-term memory loss.
Distraction: Nicotine-related neuroadaptive changes may cause e-cigarette users to be more distracted in the absence of nicotine.
E-cigarettes and emotional and mental health
Emotional and mental health are closely related to the neurochemical balance of the brain. E-cigarettes may have an impact on this balance, affecting mood and mental health.
Mood swings: Long-term nicotine use may lead to mood swings such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Sleep disorders: The nicotine in e-cigarettes may cause insomnia or poor sleep quality, which is related to the stimulating effect of nicotine on the brain's arousal system.
Mental health risks: Some studies have found that e-cigarette use is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
Effects of e-cigarettes on the reproductive system and development
As e-cigarettes gain popularity, their potential effects on the reproductive system and development have attracted widespread attention. The following is some research on the effects of e-cigarettes on the reproductive system and development.
E-cigarettes and fertility
Male fertility: Studies have shown that nicotine affects sperm quantity and quality. The nicotine in e-cigarettes may cause reduced sperm count, reduced sperm motility and increased DNA damage. In addition, other chemical ingredients in e-cigarettes, such as formaldehyde and vinyl alcohol, may also be harmful to the male reproductive system. According to one specific study, men who used e-cigarettes for a long time experienced a decrease in sperm quality of approximately 15%.
Female Fertility: Nicotine may affect ovarian function and menstrual cycles. E-cigarette use may be associated with ovulation disorders, irregular menstruation, and earlier menopause. Specific data shows that the ovulation cycle of women who regularly use e-cigarettes may be extended by 2-3 days.
Potential risks of e-cigarettes to pregnant women and fetuses
Risks to Pregnant Women: Nicotine use during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. Specifically, pregnant women who use e-cigarettes have a 20% increased risk of premature birth compared with non-users.
Risks to the fetus: Nicotine crosses the placenta and may affect the developing brain and lungs of the fetus. Nicotine exposure can cause breathing problems, low birth weight and cognitive impairment in newborns. A study has found that nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes may cause newborns to weigh 250 grams less than average.