Essay Example on Vaping Devices: Benefits & Risks of Nicotine-Based E-Liquids

Vaping devices and e-cigarettes are devices that are designed to deliver inhalation emissions through heating a solution containing flavoring chemicals, nicotine, and a humectant. The solution, also known as e-liquid or e-juice, is manufactured through getting nicotine extracts from tobacco, then mixing it with a base. The base is usually flavoring and propylene glycol. Liquid nicotine is cheaper and helps in quitting smoking; however, at high dosages, it can cause seizures, coma, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and even death.

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The e-cigarette was developed by a Chinese pharmacist in 2003 and given international patent in the year 2007, which enabled it to be introduced in other markets besides China (Kim and Carl 517). They are usually advertised to be a healthier alternative to normal tobacco cigarettes. It comprises three parts: a tube, cartridge, and a battery-powered component (Kim and Carl 517). By 2010, there were over 400 e-cigarettes brands and 7,764 flavors, as the US Food and Drug Administration explains. A survey conducted revealed that 96% of e-cigarettes users argue that it helped them reduce or quit smoking (Kim and Carl 517).

The e-cigarettes have nicotine, which is harmful to the body as it causes coma, paralysis, respiratory failure, muscle fasciculation, and seizures. In a study conducted in Sweden regarding twenty types of refill liquids of nicotine showed that 65% of the products had nicotine as opposed to the manufacture's labels of 10% (Kim and Carl 518). The flavoring of the substance is also considered cytotoxic, meaning it is harmful to the living cell.

Positive outcomes have been recorded from the use of e-cigarettes. The smoking of cigarettes is usually accompanied by an ashy smell. Unfortunately, vaping uses unique scents and flavors, making the experience more pleasurable. It is also cost-friendly because after investing in a good pen or vaporizer, the only future costs will include a new coil head and preferred juice (Kim and Carl 517). In addition, the user can control nicotine intake (Kim and Carl 518). E-juice ranges from nicotine-free to high-strength nicotine. People can easily choose the amount of nicotine they want to vape, and it helps vapers stop smoking. Also, the significant advantage is having control over the amount of vapor you exhale. For the devices used in vaping, pod vapes are designed for convenience, the high-powered mods help in adjusting the power output and airflow, and coil type enables people to fine-tune their vapor volume.

The use of e-cigarettes has its own adverse effects on the health of an individual. Some toxicants produced during vaping have been specifically related to increased cardiovascular disease risk since studies have found the presence of cadmium, lead, and nickel in different brands (Stratton, Leslie, and David 204). Nicotine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which results in short-term increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial contractility. Nicotine involved in tobacco short term influence triggers myocardial infarction and myocardial ischemia (Stratton, Leslie, and David 339) Even before e-cigarette was introduced, transdermal patch was a common cause of nicotine poisoning where 1,769 cases of poisoning in smokeless tobacco products for children below six years was reported from 2006 to 2008 (Kim and Carl 518). Therefore, nicotine poisoning can result in extremities tremor, vomiting, tachycardia, diarrhea, and hypertension.

There is evidence that a wide array of carcinogens exists in e-cigarette aerosols, and they can cause mutagenesis or damage in the DNA (Stratton, Leslie, and David 401); furthermore, the existence of formaldehyde, plus other potentially cytotoxic and mutagenic constituents, offers biologically appropriate mechanisms in which long-term use of the e-cigarettes could result in cancer risk.

E-cigarettes have the reproductive and developmental effects of an individual (Stratton, Leslie, and David 462). Toxins, including nicotine, might cross the barrier in the maternal placenta. In embryonic life, exposure to chemicals can prove to be teratogenic, while at gestational age, the toxins can impair organ and tissue growth (Stratton, Leslie, and David 462). Teratogen is an agent that disturbs fetus or embryo development. These issues might result in reduced growth, stillbirth, and preterm birth and might extend to neurodevelopmental deficits, asthma development, infant mortality, and risk for respiratory tract infections. Moreover, the primary sensitive neonatal response resulting from the exposure of nicotine can be a reduction in birth weight (Stratton, Kwan, and Eaton, 462).

There is a significant risk factor for the development of periodontal disease caused from using liquid nicotine. It is a disease of the mouth that is characterized by gum recession presence, teeth loss, bone resorption, and periodontal ligaments loss. The nicotine and non-nicotine that contains e-cigarette aerosol might negatively influence the viability of a cell and even cause damage to cells in non-smokers' oral tissue. Another con of liquid nicotine is injuries, which are associated with malfunctioning of the devices and projectile and burn injuries. Nicoll et al. also found out that there have been serious burns from exploding e-cigarette batteries (e42).

Liquid nicotine is cheaper and helps in quitting smoking; however, at high dosages, it can cause seizures, coma, increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and even death. The advantages of using e-cigarettes include cost-friendly, and one can control intake. Unfortunately, consuming it can cause harm to the placenta as consuming it might affect organ and tissue growth. It also damages the DNA and can lead to the development of the periodontal disease.

Works Cited

Kim, Ji Won, and Carl R. Baum. "Liquid nicotine toxicity." Pediatric emergency care 31.7 (2015): 517-521. https://doi.org/10.1097/PEC.0000000000000486

Nicoll, K. J., et al. "Thigh burns from exploding e-cigarette lithium-ion batteries: first case series." Burns 42.4 (2016): e42-e46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2016.03.027

Stratton, Kathleen R, Leslie Y. Kwan, and David L. Eaton. Public Health Consequences of E-Cigarettes. 2018. Print.