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E-cigarettes 'Just As Harmful As Tobacco' For Oral Health

  • November 18, 2016

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are still a new and nascent technology. Regulatory agencies are still coming to grips with their impact on public health and new studies chronicling their dangers seem to emerge daily. Medical News Today released a disturbing report that shows e-cigarettes are as dangerous to mouth cells as analogue tobacco products.

There is a growing body of evidence against e-cigarettes. They are poorly regulated devices and toxic ingredients are present in many of the flavored juices. One of the more notorious ingredients found in present e-cig formulations is diacetyl, which causes inflammation and permanent scarring of the airways, dubbed "popcorn lung" in workers at a microwave popcorn plant.

As with tobacco cigarettes, just being around those who are vaping could pose health risks. In a 2014 study by researchers from USC Viterbi, e-cigarettes were found to have fewer carcinogenic particles in their vapor, but higher amounts of lead and other toxic metals, including nickel at four times the amount in regular cigarette smoke.

In less than 10 years e-cigarettes have amassed a large following. An estimated 10 percent of U.S. adults and 13 percent of high school students currently vape. E-cigarette use among middle and high school students tripled from 2013 to 2014.

There are strategies to quit smoking that do not involving vaping or nicotine replacement. A crucial first step is to adopt an effective fitness plan. Exercising is part and parcel of this plan. Research shows people who engage in regular strength training double their success rate at quitting smoking compared to those who don't exercise. I also recommend referencing my nutrition plan to take control of your diet and your health.