Vaping, which is frequently promoted as a safer option to smoking, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, including in India, where it is still prohibited.
Recent research has shown that vaping can impact the body’s vascular health right away, even without nicotine in the e-cigarette.
Many individuals switch from smoking to vaping due to their addiction to nicotine. The American Lung Association states that the vape liquid consists of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, flavorings, and aroma carriers, along with various other ingredients.
Nevertheless, experts are now highlighting that regardless of whether a vape, a device that emits mist for inhalation, lacks nicotine, it still has adverse effects on the body.
A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago showed that vaping impacts blood circulation and oxygen levels within the body.
Scientists discovered a notable reduction in the femoral artery’s resting blood flow velocity and diminished venous oxygen saturation following vaping. This suggests that vaping can diminish the lungs’ capacity to absorb oxygen, similar to regular smoking.
Vaping on the rise in India
Roughly 27% of India’s populace uses tobacco in various ways, leading the country to be the biggest tobacco market in the world because of its large population.
Despite the ban on e-cigarette sales in 2019 in India, the prevalence of vaping among youth continues via illegal means and online sources.
The prohibition was meant to deal with worries regarding addiction to nicotine and the attraction of flavored e-cigarettes, especially among young people. Nevertheless, implementation continues to be difficult, and vaping products are still readily available.
In September 2022, the National Library of Medicine published a study titled ‘Adolescents and E-cigarettes in India: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions and Practices,’ which emphasized the prevalence of vaping among teenagers in the country.
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What global trends show
Studies worldwide indicate a significant increase in vaping among ex-smokers, with a large number using it to aid in quitting regular cigarettes.
Even though vaping can harm the lungs and blood vessels, it also impacts reproductive health.
Dr. Chandana Narayana, who works as a Senior Consultant at Kinder Hospitals in Bangalore, expressed concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of vaping. She informed IndiaToday.in that extended use of vaping devices has negative impacts on both the respiratory system and reproductive health.
Vaping in males can lead to reduced sperm quality, which can also impact fertility. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in vaping liquids can cause women to experience irregular menstrual cycles and face pregnancy complications.
