Vapes: A Hidden Danger?

Vaping was once seen as a cool way to quit smoking, but it's not as safe as people thought. Many adults who vape still smoke cigarettes, and teens who never smoked are getting addicted to nicotine through vaping. About 11 million Americans vape regularly. While vapes are considered less harmful than cigarettes because they don't burn tobacco, they still pose serious health risks. A recent study published in ACS Central Science found that e-cigarettes release a lot of toxic metals. Some vapes produce more lead in a day than almost 20 packs of traditional cigarettes. The study's senior author, Brett Poulin, warned about the high levels of lead, nickel, and antimony in these devices. These metals can cause cancer, brain damage, and lung problems. The research team, led by Mark Salazar, tested seven types of disposable vapes from popular brands like Esco Bar, Flum Pebble, and ELF Bar. They found that these vapes contain toxins in the e-liquid or leach them from their components. Disposable vapes seem to emit more toxic metals than older, refillable ones. The researchers called for more studies and regulations on e-cigarettes. The market is growing faster than the science can keep up. While there are restrictions on flavored vapes, they are not well enforced, and new products keep coming out. Vaping might seem like a harmless habit, but it's not. The health risks are real, and more needs to be done to protect people from these hidden dangers. It's time to think critically about vaping and its impact on our health.