Vaping risks: Dangerous chemicals, secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke

KUALA LUMPUR - The notion that e-cigarettes and vaping devices are ‘safe to use’ carries significant risks, impacting not only smokers but also those around them.

Associate Professor Dr Kow Ken Siong, Consultant Respiratory and Internal Medicine Physician at Sunway Medical Centre and the School of Medicine and Life Sciences at Sunway University, cautioned that viewing e-cigarettes and vaping devices as safer alternatives is dangerously misleading.

"Vaping and e-cigarette devices heat nicotine extracted from tobacco, along with flavourings and other additives and users inhale this aerosol into their lungs.

"While it may eliminate some harmful combustion byproducts, it introduces a new array of chemicals, including various unregulated chemicals from questionable sources ranging from cleaning agents to pesticides and even methanol, one of the main ingredients for rocket fuel, which may also be very harmful,” he said in a statement.

He said recent studies have linked vaping and e-cigarette use to severe lung injuries, an increased risk of tobacco and other substance use, mental health issues, both pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases as well as unintentional injuries among adolescents.

Dr Kow also highlighted that smoking from a young age has particularly severe health impacts, as the lungs continue to develop until around 20 to 25 years of age.

"With vaping, we are treading on dangerous grounds where youths unwittingly are guinea pigs in this uncontrolled experiment,” he added.

He said many young smokers and vapers operate under the misconception that their choices affect only themselves, but the reality is starkly different, where secondhand smoke is a silent assailant, infiltrating the lungs of those around them.

Secondhand smoke, a combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke exhaled by smokers, contains over, 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 that cause cancer.

Even though e-cigarettes may lack some harmful chemicals compared to what is found in traditional cigarettes, Dr Kow stressed that it is still far from benign.

Dr Kow also highlighted that children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke, which could lead to respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and impaired cognitive performance.

Additionally, he pointed out the often overlooked threat of thirdhand smoke extends beyond the immediate dangers of secondhand exposure as the residue, which contains nicotine and chemicals, clings to surfaces for months, releasing toxins and carcinogens.

"Thirdhand smoke embeds itself in carpets, furniture, and even clothing. Over time, these residues can react with indoor pollutants, forming carcinogenic compounds and these lingering menace poses risks, especially to infants who crawl on carpets or individuals who spend extended periods in contaminated environments that contain more than 200 chemicals.

He said cleaning or airing out rooms isn't sufficient to ventilate the area, but comprehensive measures are required to eradicate the toxic remnants.

Dr Kow also advocated for comprehensive education campaigns targeting the youth and the general public across all ages to bring a change in this matter through awareness.

"We need to debunk myths and present hard facts, especially as parents, when educating children and adolescents about the dangers and contents of these devices. Everyone should play a role and must come together to communicate the seriousness of the situation.

"Homes, cars, and public spaces should serve as sanctuaries. We have seen other countries implementing smoke-free policies with success that have shown very positive and encouraging results,” he said, adding that protecting loved ones from such unseen threats is a collective responsibility.

Dr Kow also highlighted several effective treatment options for smoking cessation, including nicotine replacement therapies (such as patches, gums, and lozenges), prescription medications and behavioural counselling which may increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking and help young adults.

While quitting smoking can be challenging, Dr Kow noted that it is achievable with the right support and treatment plan.

"I encourage anyone seeking to quit to consult with their doctor, who can help tailor a cessation plan that best suits their needs and improves their chances of long-term success.

"Every puff sends ripples far and wide, impacting lives in ways we may never realise. Let's embrace our role as protectors of our well-being and those of our loved ones,” he concluded. - BERNAMA