Latest news surrounding lung cancer and vaping concerns

The American Lung Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics just launched a joint campaign to help youth quit vaping and using electronic-cigarettes. Recent request by several public health experts at five major universities have also asked that CDC to correct misinformation about the dangers of vaping and its connection to lung cancer. Experts say it is more about illicit substances added to vapes rather than traditional vapes or e-cigarettes. Dr. Basel Shoua from Arizona Oncology discussed the dangers.

As Shoua points out, there is a different between traditional cigarettes and vaping. With traditional cigarettes, the user inhales smoke, and with vaping, the user inhales vaper. But what’s in the vapor may cause health issues.

“The main substance that vapor has is called propylene glycol, which is basically a vegetable-glycerin based liquid, with nicotine, flavoring, other chemicals and metals,” said Shoua.

There are a record number of young people turning to vaping, as noted by Shoua. They often feel that it safer and healthier than traditional smoking. Shoua does not necessarily agree with this sentiment.

“It’s like a pandemic,” said Shoua. “For me, vaping is as bad as smoking.”

Shoua says that data for long-term vaping effects does not yet exist, however, there is evidence that vaping can impact health from short term use. Bronchiolitis, a long term disease, has been linked to vaping through case studies.