Research Suggests E-Cigarette Aerosol and Cigarette Smoke Are Mutually Harmful to the Body
The devastating effects of cigarette smoke have been established for years, and more research keeps coming. In a previous post, we talked about a study that found a link between cigarette smoking and brain shrinkage. Now, with the rise of vaping and electronic cigarettes, researchers sought to find out which smoking method was more harmful than the other. In a new study, mice were exposed to cigarette smoke and e-cigarette aerosols to see how it would affect their cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal functions.
After being exposed five days a week for ten weeks, both mice groups were observed to have sustained certain damage in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, both groups saw a decrease in blood oxygen saturation. The mice exposed to cigarettes experienced a more significant decline.
These results may lead some to believe that e-cigarettes are somewhat safer than cigarettes. However, they have been found to wreak unique havoc on the human body. Research from 2021 found ultrafine particles of propylene glycol – an additive that has been banned in Europe – in the lungs of e-cigarette smokers. E-cigarette smokers also exhaled an increased amount of nitric oxide and suffered from marked airway inflammation. The effects only worsen for dual users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Another study found significantly higher levels of hazardous compounds, such as benzene, ethylene oxide, and acrylamide, in the urine of its subjects compared to that of cigarette-only users.
It is nothing short of alarming that more than 20% of young adults think that e-cigarettes are “harmless” and “non-addictive,” according to a survey by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 29% of millennials and 27% of Gen Z adults also mistakenly think flavored e-cigarettes are less damaging to the health than non-flavored versions. However, e-cigarettes and vapes are no longer the only other option on the market now. With nicotine alternatives on the rise, people can strive to leave combustible tobacco in the past.
The rise of nicotine alternatives
Individuals quitting cigarettes have often turned to e-cigarettes, which come in more flavors than the former. Still, given the demonstrated effects of e-cigarettes on the lungs, nicotine alternatives are worth considering. Smoke-free and odor-free options like nicotine pouches retain a refreshing flavor experience while containing no tobacco materials; read on to find out more. Those who favor menthol cigarettes or spearmint-flavored vapes can opt for ZYN Spearmint 6mg, which delivers a refreshing burst of flavor for up to an hour. While not entirely risk-free, this alternative provides a way out of smoke-based nicotine consumption.
Nicotine alternatives come in other forms as well. To reduce tobacco-related harm, Zanoprima invented SyNic™, a form of synthetic tobacco. This product has now been used in gums, lozenges, patches, and other modern oral nicotine products. Patches are discreet and provide a slow release of nicotine, while gums and lozenges come in various flavors to enhance the experience. Having these alternatives on hand may help individuals stay away from cigarettes and e-cigarettes for good.
The only way to eliminate tobacco-associated risk is to stop consumption permanently. As cigarettes lose popularity and e-cigarettes appear to take their place, consumers need to know that there are more than just two options out there. It will not be long before yet another study surfaces about the damaging effects of both products on the body. With the availability of more nicotine alternatives, the hope is that more people can make informed decisions about their health.
