The Hidden Dangers of Vapes, Cigarettes, and Nicotine-Delivering Agents

In a world where the allure of modernity often intertwines with health risks, few substances have garnered as much controversy and concern as nicotine. With the rise of vaping and the continued prevalence of traditional cigarettes, understanding the dangers of these nicotine-delivering agents is more critical than ever. Yet, a vast majority of the population either are not educated on the dangers posed by nicotine delivering agents, or they simply don’t care about the long-term consequences of nicotine dependency. And in recent years, statistics show that more and more people are turning to nicotine delivering agents, such as vapes and cigarettes while at work, with the comradery of going out for ‘smoko’ encouraging more and more of the team to join in.

Vaping, initially marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, has become a pervasive trend among younger generations. E-cigarettes heat liquids containing nicotine, producing a vapour for inhalation. While vapes may lack many of the toxic compounds found in traditional cigarettes, they are far from harmless:

• Unknown Long-Term Effects: Vaping is a relatively recent phenomenon, making it challenging to gauge the long-term consequences. Early evidence suggests that vaping can harm lung health, potentially leading to respiratory issues.

• Unknown Long-Term Effects: Vaping is a relatively recent phenomenon, making it challenging to gauge the long-term consequences. Early evidence suggests that vaping can harm lung health, potentially leading to respiratory issues.

• Misleading Perceptions: The notion that vapes are ‘safer’ than cigarettes can lead individuals, especially non-smokers and ex-smokers, to believe they are harmless. This misconception can inadvertently push people towards nicotine addiction.

• Passive Risk: Passive (second-hand) inhalation is possible for both cigarettes and vapes. Not only is it inconsiderate to subject non-smokers/vapers to this, but research has shown that passive inhalation does have definitive links to respiratory diseases. To learn more: worksafe.act.gov.au/health-and-safety-portal/managing-safety/smoking-in-the-workplace

• Dangerous Chemicals: Vapers and cigarette smokers are 1.3-2.6 times more likely to develop a chronic lung disease in their lifetime, due to chemicals found in black market vapes such as heavy metals and known carcinogens like formaldehyde which are released into the body when burnt at a high wattage for inhalation.

• It is illegal to possess nicotine vape products in Australia without a prescription. Those found with nicotine vape products can be fined up to $10,000.

Traditional cigarettes have been linked to countless health issues for decades, a fact that remains unchanged despite increased awareness:

• Carcinogens and Toxins: Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with hundreds considered toxic, and at least 69 identified as carcinogens. These chemicals can cause irreparable damage to various organs, primarily the lungs and cardiovascular system.

• Second-hand Smoke: Exposure to second-hand smoke is equally hazardous, posing health risks to non-smokers. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory infections, and developmental issues.

• Lethal Consequences: Smoking is responsible for a staggering number of deaths worldwide due to diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, and stroke. It also negatively affects overall quality of life.

Beyond vapes and cigarettes, various nicotine-delivering agents are available, each with its own set of dangers:

• Smokeless Tobacco: Products like chewing tobacco and snuff may seem less harmful due to the absence of combustion, but they still contain nicotine and harmful chemicals that can lead to oral, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers.

• Nicotine Gum and Patches: While intended to aid in smoking cessation, these products can perpetuate nicotine addiction. Prolonged use might lead to dependency on them rather than complete nicotine cessation.

• Hookah: Often considered a social activity, hookah smoking exposes users to copious amounts of smoke over extended periods, increasing the risks of lung and heart diseases.

In conclusion, the dangers of vapes, cigarettes, and other nicotine-delivering agents are far-reaching and cannot be underestimated. The allure of these products, whether driven by trends, misconceptions, or a desire to quit smoking, can lead to severe health consequences. Raising awareness about the potential risks and fostering open conversations about nicotine addiction are essential steps in curbing the widespread use of these harmful substances.

TruHealth Solutions is dedicated to being a part of the discussion and educating today’s youths on the impacts of their actions regarding substance use and abuse. We are dedicated to supporting employees and business owners alike in a quest to encourage people to strive for individual peak health, ranging from providing EAP services and providing toolbox talks for employers to impart on their workers before the workday. We pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge on occupational health, and are available for any further questions not covered in this article.

For more information regarding vapes, cigarettes, or how you can better support your workforce as a business owner, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on 1300 062 975 or email us at contactus@truhealth.com.au.