The dangers of vaping

E-cigarette use or "vaping" is commonly used as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, it has been linked to a number of major health risks including lung, heart, brain and gum illnesses.

At the start of 2018, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine¹ released a consensus study report that reviewed over 800 different studies.

That report stated: using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) causes health risks. It concluded that e-cigarettes contain and emit a number of toxic substances. The Academies' report also states there is moderate evidence that youth who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk for cough and wheezing and an increase in asthma exacerbations.

• One study from the University of North Carolina found that the two main ingredients found in e-cigarettes (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) are toxic to cells and that the more ingredients in an e-liquid, the greater the toxicity.²
  
• E-cigarettes also contain the chemical acrolein. Acrolein is a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds. It can cause lung injury and COPD and can also cause asthma as well as lung cancer.³
  
• The Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit.

How to Quit Vaping

1. Set a date to stop vaping and stick to it.
2. Keep a diary for a day or two. Note down for a short period of time why, when, where, with whom you vape with and how often
3. Make a plan Decide which method you are going to choose to help you quit. We believe Anne Penman Laser Therapy Programme is the best because it is drug and nicotine free, helps to stimlutae the endorphins - your feel good harmone which in turn helps ease the withdrawal and start recovery.
4. Think about your reasons for quitting vaping and write them down. This can include saving money, being healthier, for the sake of your family or just because you want to be free of the addiction. Keep this list somewhere handy to remind you why you quit.
5. Be positive and look forward to being Vape Free Just like giving up smoking, focus on your choice to be vape free and think of all the postive benifits: No more where and when I can smoke an e-cigarette, do I have enough supplies, worrying about unknown side effects or being dependant.
6. Take it one day at a time. Concentrate on getting through each day without vaping. Know what you are going to say if someone offers you a vape – enjoy saying, “No thanks – I don’t vape ”
7. Don't worry about withdrawal; the laser will help speed up the detox and help you feel in control.
8. Break the links that create the habit. Most people who vape have times and places when they always have an e-cigarette, like after a meal or with a drink in the bar. Try to avoid these situations at first if you think you will be tempted to vape, or do something different; go for a short walk after a meal.
9. Prepare to stop smoking. Get rid of all the vapers and liquids and nasty stuff
10. Celebrate being vape free and look forward to enjoying freedom for a new way of life

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References

1. NAM Report - https://www.nap.edu/resource/24952/012318ecigaretteConclusionsbyEvidence.pdf

2. Sassano MF, Davis ES, Keating JE, Zorn BT, Kochar TK, Wolfgang MC, et al. (2018) Evaluation of e-liquid toxicity using an open-source high-throughput screening assay. PLoS Biol 16(3): e2003904. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2003904

3. Bein K, Leikauf GD. (2011) Acrolein - a pulmonary hazard. Mol Nutr Food Res 55(9):1342-60. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.201100279.