Over the last few years, the use of vape pens and vaping has increased tremendously between teens and young adults. At first, it was poised as less dangerous than smoking cigarettes – but do you actually know the long-term effects?

Sure, you aren’t inhaling cigarette smoke into your lungs, but you are still inhaling a ton of chemicals into your body. And since vaping is fairly new, we don’t really know what will happen 30, 40 years down the road. 

If you are vaping, or have a friend who vapes, now is the time to stop. Check out these five things to consider when it comes to vaping. 

1. Vaping increases your risk of lung cancer.A study by the University of California San Francisco found that vaping increases your risk of lung cancer by up to five times. 

2. Vaping increases your risk of other respiratory illnesses.Vaping can cause lung inflammation, coughing, and wheezing. It can also increase your risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. The American Heart Association found that those who vape are more likely to experience severe Covid-19 symptoms than those who do not vape or smoke. 

3. Vaping is addictive.Vape pens contain nicotine which is highly addictive and makes the habit or vaping extremely hard to quit. 

4. Vaping is dangerous because it can be harmful to your health. Vape pens and cartridges can contain harmful chemicals, including metals and chemicals that can be toxic. The vape pen aerosol that you inhale and exhale can contain harmful substances like:

• Nicotine
• Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Cancer-causing chemicals
• Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

5. Vaping is expensive. Between the costs of vape pens and refill cartridges, vaping is a very expensive habit. Just imagine everything else you could buy if you weren’t wasting your money on vaping! 

Overall, vaping is a very dangerous activity that can be harmful to your health, your social life, and your future. If you are thinking about vaping, please think again – it is not worth the risks.

Quitting vaping can be a challenging process, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies and support. The first step is to acknowledge the negative impacts that vaping is having on your health, relationships, and finances. Next, set a quit date and create a plan that includes alternative ways to manage stress and cravings. This might involve exercise, meditation, or seeking support from friends or a healthcare professional. Consider removing all vaping devices and related items from your home and work environment to reduce temptations. It’s also important to stay committed to your goal and be patient with yourself if you experience setbacks. Remember that quitting vaping is a journey, and each day that you abstain from vaping is a step in the right direction towards a healthier and happier life.