Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer?

Can Vaping Cause Cancer?

There is a known association between smoking and lung cancer – but does that apply to vaping, too? This is a common question. Vaping and its effects are still very new; therefore, it is challenging to link vaping and lung cancer directly. Many believe vaping e-cigarettes to be a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes contain many harmful chemicals associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. So what are you really inhaling when you vape, and what does this mean for your lungs?

Risks Associated With Vaping

Nicotine, an addictive drug, is inhaled when smoking regular cigarettes, so many turn to e-cigarettes. However, a CDC study found that 99% of e-cigarettes sold in the US contained nicotine. Even vapes marketed as 0% nicotine have been found to contain the addictive drug. Nicotine can harm development, attention, learning, mood, impulse control, and more.

There are many additional harmful chemicals within vape and nicotine devices. Common materials used in e-cigarettes typically include:

• Formaldehyde
• Acrolein
• Diacetyl
• Chromium
• Nickel
• Manganese
• Lead

What Do You Inhale When You Vape?

E-cigarettes contain 15 times the amount of formaldehyde found in traditional cigarettes. Formaldehyde is a cancer-causing chemical associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and other cancers. Additionally, Acrolein is a chemical used in weed killers and vape pens alike that damages the lungs. Diacetyl is a food additive used in e-cigarettes for flavoring that is known to cause damage to the lung passageways.

There is also an increased risk of toxic heavy metal exposure when people breathe vapes compared to regular cigarettes. Metals like chromium, nickel, manganese, and lead have serious health consequences. Lung cancer, neurological and developmental defects, and kidney damage are all side effects of these dangerous heavy metals.

Vaping Lung Disease Symptoms

Due to the harmful chemicals within e-cigarettes, conditions such as lung cancer can develop. There are many symptoms associated with lung cancer and heavy vaping. Side effects differ at each lung cancer stage, but there are general symptoms of vaping e-cigarettes. Symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Coughs up blood

Many people compare the symptoms of excessive vaping with the flu and other illnesses Additionally, medical professionals mistake the disease for a gastrointestinal condition. Because the symptoms are common and often mistaken for another state, lung cancer can go undetected for some time.

Vaping and Lung Cancer Final Verdict

There is no doubt that vaping e-cigarettes poses a risk to a person’s health. Our understanding of e-cigarettes and their effects continues to develop alongside our knowledge of lung cancer.

If you are experiencing any negative symptoms from vaping and are concerned about lung cancer, access your free Lung Cancer Guide today to better understand your options.