If you ask an anti-vape campaigner, they’ll tell you that all vape products have equally detrimental health risks. The truth is more nuanced.
Disposable vapes and naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids might both be vape products, but they sit on opposite sides of the spectrum. Recent research has uncovered a whole new side to disposables, and the outlook isn’t good.
Your favorite disposable vape could contain any number of things, including trace metals and, once upon a time, a chemical that causes a lung disease best known as popcorn lung. In contrast, N.E.T. e-liquids are completely organic, making them more bioavailable.
Let’s look at the difference in more detail, starting with the health problems associated with disposables.
What’s Inside Disposable Vapes?
When we talk about the health risks of e-cigarettes, 99% of the time, we’re referring to e-liquids. Each e-liquid contains a combination of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), two substances that each offer unique characteristics.
Manufacturers mix PG and VG at different ratios to create everything from flavorful to cloudy vape hits.
·Propylene glycol: A colorless, odorless liquid that can come from natural gas, vegetables, or petroleum. It acts as a hydrating agent in skincare products, but in e-liquids, it’s responsible for retaining flavor.
·Vegetable glycerin: A colorless, viscous liquid that is a byproduct of industrial chemical reactions involving vegetable fats that contain triglycerides. It acts as a soothing anti-inflammatory in pharmaceuticals, but in the vape world, it thickens the consistency of sub-ohm e-liquids.
Under the FDA’s guidance, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are “generally recognized as safe” for human consumption, but this supposition has been put to the test in recent years.
Research found that 94% of EVALI patients had vitamin E acetate in their lung fluid, linking it to severe lung injuries caused by disposable vapes.
Once vape manufacturers have mixed the perfect ratio of PG and VG, they add a few more ingredients to give your favorite disposable vape its signature taste.
·Nicotine: A naturally occurring chemical compound found primarily in tobacco plants. Its addictive qualities have been likened to that of cocaine, though recent research has debunked this theory.
·Flavorings: Vape manufacturers use a combination of artificial and authentic ingredients to create signature flavors such as Candyfloss, Bubblegum, and Blueberry Banana. I’ll talk more about the vape health risks associated with artificial flavorings later.
Let’s take a deeper look at the health risks of e-cigarettes, with a focus on disposables.
Are E-Cigarettes Harmful?
The question isn’t whether e-cigarettes are harmful, but rather how harmful are they? Studies have proven that the health risks of e-cigarettes are wide and varied, encompassing a slew of physical and mental ailments, not to mention the environmental impact of disposable vapes.
Physical Health Risks
The physical vape health risks are the most well-known, but that doesn’t mean that researchers and scientists have a comprehensive list of all the possible downsides.
We do know that disposable vapes contain nicotine, the main stimulant in the tobacco plant. Even when vape manufacturers have disposed of the tobacco leaf, nicotine remains an addictive and dangerous drug.
Here are some short-term effects of nicotine.
·Boosted concentration
·Dizziness
·Headaches
·Increased heart rate
·Raised blood pressure
·Relaxation
·Spiked adrenaline
The short-term effects of nicotine are nothing compared to the long-term effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.
In the long term, nicotine also:
·Affects cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and DNA mutation
·Compromises reproductive health
People who consume nicotine for extended periods are at increased risk of cancer, building resistance to chemo and radiotherapy, heart attacks, lung disorders, and a range of cardiovascular issues.
Metals in Disposable Vapes
One of the main risks of disposable vapes is that you can’t be sure what is inside the e-liquid.
A recent study found that e-cigarettes expose users to toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, chromium, and nickel. Researchers took samples from 56 e-cigarette devices used by daily e-cigarette users. They sampled the refilling dispenser (typically an e-liquid bottle), aerosol, and the remaining e-liquid in the tank.
They discovered higher concentrations of metals in the aerosol and tank samples. Researchers hypothesize that when e-liquid contacts the coil, a chemical reaction occurs whereby the e-liquid is exposed to toxic metals. From there, the e-liquid becomes vapor, and vapers ingest the e-liquid particles, metals included.
Flavorings in Disposable Vapes
Unlike N.E.T. e-liquids, disposable vapes are filled with all sorts of flavored additives.
Some manufacturers use natural flavorings such as mulled spices and citrus fruits and berries. But others create synthetic flavorings in labs. There is no telling what sort of chemicals go into your favorite disposable vapes, a dilemma that first hit the headlines during the EVALI crisis.
In 2019, the CDC investigated a sudden rise in hospital admissions linked to e-cigarettes. All the patients complained of lung issues including shortness of breath, chest pains, and coughs. E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) was born, and doctors soon found a cause.
One study found vitamin E acetate in the lung fluid of 48 out of 51 EVALI patients across 16 states. As a control, researchers also took lung fluid samples from healthy patients. They didn’t find vitamin E acetate in any of the healthy patients, which led them to conclude that vitamin E acetate is the cause of EVALI.
This compound is a synthetic form of vitamin E that was used in e-cigarettes as a thickening, diluting, or condensing agent. Some sources say that manufacturers also used vitamin E acetate as a filler agent to bulk up e-liquids and save money.
Mental Health Risks
Among the various physical health risks associated with e-cigarettes, vapers also have to contend with the often-overlooked mental effects.
Nicotine creates an immediate calming effect, leading many to crave the instant relaxation that comes from smoking combustible cigarettes or disposable vapes. However, in the long term, nicotine has the opposite effect on mental health conditions. Studies have drawn a tentative link between nicotine dependence and comorbidities such as ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Vape Health Risks for Young People
Young people should be especially aware of both the mental and physical vape health risks.
The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls cognitive functions such as decision-making, reasoning, and personality expression, doesn’t mature until age 25. Studies show that the adolescent brain is sensitive to nicotine, and young people who consume nicotine increase their risk of developing psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairments later in life.
Nicotine can disrupt the formation of vital brain circuits that control attention, learning, and the individual’s susceptibility to addiction. On top of that, studies have shown that vaping nicotine can intensify symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as increase stress levels.
According to a 2019 cross-sectional study of nearly 30,000 current e-cigarette users, frequent vapers are 2.4 times more likely to have a diagnosis of depression compared to never users.
With the health risks of e-cigarettes becoming more and more apparent, it’s no surprise that many vapers are looking for an alternative.
What Is N.E.T. E-liquid?
N.E.T. e-liquid, or naturally extracted tobacco e-liquid, is an alternative to the standard e-liquid that dominates the market.
It is made from real tobacco leaves, so there’s absolutely no synthetic nicotine. Artificial nicotine pales in comparison to the real smoky, woody sensation of tobacco, so you can expect bold flavors.
Switching to naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids can significantly reduce exposure to harmful synthetic chemicals found in disposable vapes.
That’s another thing; N.E.T. e-liquids don’t contain artificial flavorings. All the flavorings come directly from the tobacco plant. There are no artificial flavors, fillers, or nicotine.
N.E.T. E-Liquid vs. Disposable Vapes
So, are disposable vapes worse for health?
The simple answer is yes.
Although N.E.T. e-liquid still contains nicotine, and therefore still poses a health risk, it is less dangerous than standard e-liquid because it doesn’t contain any artificial flavorings. You get the authentic taste of tobacco and the peace of mind that comes from real ingredients.
When you buy naturally extracted tobacco e-liquid, you know exactly what is in it, from the nicotine to the flavorings. In other words, you never have to worry about diacetyl, vitamin E acetate, or any other harmful synthetic chemicals.
If this type of e-liquid replaced standard, artificial e-liquid in 2019, the EVALI crisis might never have happened. To safeguard yourself against unnecessary vape health risks, switch from disposable vapes to N.E.T. e-liquid.
FAQ’s:
What are the primary health risks associated with disposable vapes?
Disposable vapes can contain harmful substances, including trace metals like arsenic and lead, synthetic flavorings, and chemicals such as vitamin E acetate, which have been linked to serious health issues like EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use Associated Lung Injury).
How does N.E.T. (Naturally Extracted Tobacco) e-liquid differ from standard e-liquid?
N.E.T. e-liquids are made from real tobacco leaves, without synthetic nicotine or artificial flavorings. This makes them a safer alternative to standard e-liquids, offering authentic tobacco flavors without the harmful additives found in many disposable vapes.
Are N.E.T. e-liquids a healthier option compared to disposable vapes?
Yes, N.E.T. e-liquids are generally considered a healthier option because they lack harmful synthetic chemicals and artificial flavorings found in disposable vapes. While they still contain nicotine, they offer a cleaner, more natural vaping experience.
What are the long-term health risks of using nicotine in any form?
Long-term nicotine use can lead to increased risks of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as reproductive health issues. It can also contribute to the development of cancer and resistance to certain treatments like chemotherapy.
Why should young people be particularly cautious about vaping?
Young people’s brains are still developing, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of nicotine. Vaping during adolescence can disrupt brain development, leading to cognitive impairments, increased risk of psychiatric disorders, and heightened vulnerability to addiction.
Can naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids help reduce vape-related health risks?
Switching to naturally extracted tobacco e-liquids can reduce some vape-related health risks by eliminating harmful synthetic additives. While not entirely risk-free, N.E.T. e-liquids offer a safer alternative for those who choose to vape.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. The author, who is not a medical professional, writes this blog post without intending to offer medical advice or replace advice or treatment from a personal physician.
This blog post discusses tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and related substances, intended solely for adult use and potentially harmful to health. We advise all readers/users of this content to quit smoking and/or vaping, or to consult a doctor before starting or continuing to smoke and/or vape.
The author, the blog, and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any actions or inaction a reader takes based on the information presented in this blog. We do not intend this content to promote smoking or vaping, and readers should interpret it accordingly.