We’re all becoming increasingly aware of the potential dangers associated with vaping, as well as traditional smoking.
From popcorn lung to an increased risk of cancer and damage to the cardiovascular system, it appears that using these battery-powered devices could pose its own unique set of risks, distinct yet similar to those posed by conventional cigarettes.
Dr. Tim Tiutan stitched a video with fellow TikTok content creator @marialaur3ns, expressing his shock at what she revealed in her short clip. Maria and her roommates, who were attempting to quit vaping together, decided to place their vapes into a jar filled with water.
Maria stated: “If you need a reminder to quit vaping, this is a jar full of water me and my roommates compiled full of all of our vapes we put in when we told ourselves we were going to quit vaping. But that’s actually really disgusting.”
She displayed the vapes submerged in the water, which had turned “black” and developed a “goo in it” due to the devices being stored in it, prompting many to question what these vapes were doing to their lungs.
Dr Tim then chimed in, praising the visual impact of the video and how it truly illustrates the harm that vapes can inflict on users’ lungs. He emphasised the appealing colours and flavours of these devices do not make them any healthier.
He then slammed vaping as “disgusting and damaging […] to your body” highlighting that even the NHS admits “vaping is not completely harmless”.
It continued, stating: “We only recommend it for adult smokers to support quitting smoking and staying quit. People who switch completely from smoking to vaping have significantly reduced exposure to toxins associated with risks of cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke.”
Moreover, in 2022, UK specialists reviewed global research and concluded that ‘in the short and medium-term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking’. Nonetheless, the long-term effects remain unknown.
In purchasing a vape, the NHS suggests: “Always buy your vaping products from a reputable supplier like a specialist vape shop, pharmacy, supermarket or a UK-based online retailer so they are covered by UK safety and quality regulations.”
Per NHS studies, approximately 9% of 11-15-year-olds are habitual vapers, and 25% have tried vaping. Matt Fagg, NHS England’s Director for Prevention and Long-Term Conditions, expressed: “It is incredibly concerning that almost one in 10 young people regularly or occasionally vape it means they are at risk of becoming hooked on one of the world’s most addictive substances, and that is before we consider the longer-term impacts which are still unclear.”
The statement read: “We welcome the government’s commitment to tackle the promotion of e-cigarettes to children and young people through legislation at the earliest opportunity and look forward to working with them and other partners to help the next generation grow up smoke and vape-free.”
However, some viewers expressed concern about submerging vapes in liquid, with one commenting: “Let’s put our electronic vapes in water… Next day, officer, I have no idea how my apartment caught fire…” Another cautioned: “The batteries are made of lithium and ignite when exposed to H2O.”