The Rise of Vaping Illnesses: Are Vaping Products Really To Blame?

The implications of the use of vaping products and e-cigarettes has been the subject for debate over the past few years. Many manufacturers and enthusiasts have advertised such devices as much less harmful than cigarettes despite still containing nicotine, while others have argued that the long-term effects are not yet known. Recent cases of illnesses connected to vaping, however, have finally brought more attention to the issue.

More than 215 cases of vaping-related issues have been reported in 2019 with symptoms such as shortness of breath, vomiting, fever and fatigue. Even though vaping and e-cigarettes are less harmful than actual cigarettes, medical officials have found problems with them. Remnants of the oils, which contain THC or nicotine, present in such products may be left behind and prove to be quite toxic for the user’s lungs. The illnesses associated with vaping may also be caused by foreign ingredients such as Vitamin E oil. Basically, the manufacture of vaping products that contain illegal foreign substances could be a considerable factor in the rise of these illnesses.

Now that the issue has been given more attention, many have called for an improved regulation of vaping products as well as more awareness to the uncertainty of their long-term effects. And they have a point. If foreign substances in vaping products are the culprits, we should focus on regulating vaping products in such a way that they cannot find their way into the supply. Banning vaping products outright would prove to only worsen the issue, as the history of Prohibition tells us. In other words, we’re better off reducing and deterring the production of foreign vaping products instead of sending all vaping products to the black market. People should certainly be more considerate in their choices and acknowledge that the long-term effects of vaping are yet to be known.