Nicotine - Is it bad for vapers?

By: Nicholas King.
Last Updated: December 19, 2018.

 

Is It So Bad For You?

Let’s be straight, we are not medically trained or have any experience related to nicotine. All the findings on this page are due to research from authoritative sites which we mention.

Nicotine is not linked to cancer nor is it carcinogenic but is nicotine bad for you? There is some positive potential related to nicotine. Its molecules have almost the same size and shape of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter that is vital for the human body. Nicotine, as a result, acts as a neurotransmitter and activates the release of neurotransmitters like hormones and dopamine. It also stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers. Nicotine also improves one’s memory and concentration.

  • According to American Academy of Neurology nicotine is useful in the treatment of neurological disorders. It slows down Alzheimer’s disease and protects against Parkinson’s disease.
  • Psychology Today class nicotine as a stimulant. It gives some adrenaline and kick starts ones adrenal glands causing increased blood pressure and heart rate temporarily.
  • Very Well Mind describes in detail how nicotine can be harmful to humans, specifically children.
 
Nicotine in cigarettes

Why Such a Bad Name?

The bad reputation associated with nicotine comes from smoking. Smoking combined with tobacco additives that cigarettes companies add to accelerate nicotine absorption are the ones that cause harm to the body. The combustion process when smoking generates about 7,000 chemicals. Nicotine is not harmful to the human body unless ingested in large amounts.

Despite the different types of cigarette manufacturers, most cigarettes are produced in the same way. The amount of nicotine contained in cigarettes ranges from 8 mg to 20 mg of nicotine but most cigarettes have an average amount of 12 mg of nicotine. Various brands contain different amounts of nicotine. This is not, however, the amount ingested by the consumer. A smoker ingests 1 mg of nicotine from smoking one cigarette.

The body builds up a certain level of nicotine that is present. The brain becomes acclimated to this level and signals the need for more causing the craving for cigarettes. Nicotine is also classified as a stimulant. It gives some adrenaline and kick starts ones adrenal glands causing increased blood pressure and heart rate temporarily. Smoking a cigarette exposes you to chemical additives that are harmful to the body. Cigarettes have becomes more dangerous with time due to the addition of tobacco additives.

Stated by Smokefree.gov, Nicotine reaches your brain within 10 seconds and takes five minutes to reach the central nervous system. Traces of nicotine are not detectable a few days after smoking a cigarette. When smoking, nicotine contained in cigarettes is attached to tar inside the smoke and absorbed into the lungs. Tar, however, takes more time to be absorbed into the lungs than nicotine. Repeated exposure of the lungs to tar creates a buildup that kills lung tissues.

Popcorn Lung example
Popcorn lung is an irreversible lung disease medically known as bronchiolitis obliterans. Exposure to diacetyl, a tobacco additive found in a cigarette, increases one’s chances of contracting popcorn lung. E-liquid vendors also use diacetyl as a flavoring used in electronic cigarettes. Since safe blending of e-liquids demands professional knowledge and a lot of care with attention to detail, users are recommended to buy e-liquids from vendors that supply e-liquids that meet professional lab standards.

Stated by WebMD, Popcorn lung diagnosis is not easy since CT scans and chest x-rays are not conclusive. Open lung biopsy gives a conclusive diagnosis. Some symptoms related to popcorn lung are shortness of breath, wheezing and dry cough.

Despite being irreversible, popcorn lung disease has treatment options. Steroids ease symptoms and reduce inflammation. The amount of air exhaled can be increased through inhaling cyclosporine. This reduces the amount of trapped air and gives patients with popcorn lung disease better lung capacity. Lung transplant is also an option in some cases.
 

Nicotine In E-Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes are vaporizers that simulate the smoking feeling without burning tobacco. Electronic cigarettes are composed of a cartridge, heating device, and a power source. The electronic cigarette is battery powered. The cartridge holds a liquid solution that contains different amounts of flavorings, nicotine and other chemicals. Mods, Cigalikes, and eGos are the main types of e-cigarettes mostly used. Most e-cigarettes are reusable but some known as the first generation Cigalikes are usually disposable. Users usually inhale an aerosol instead of cigarette smoke when using e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain a heating device that atomizes the e-liquid which in turn produces a vapor that the user inhales.

Electronic cigarettes produce a flavored aerosol that is similar to tobacco smoke and delivers nicotine. They produce less toxic chemicals compared to conventional cigarettes hence appear much safer. This, however, does not make them any safer. E-cigarettes still deliver nicotine and other chemicals that are potentially harmful. E-cigarettes can still lead to nicotine addiction for non-smokers since nicotine is highly addictive. The vapor produced by e-cigarettes contains chemicals and small amounts of heavy metals and toxicants that are harmful to the human body.

Nicotine in E-cigarettes and e-liquid

The best vapes eliminate the burning of the e-liquid and overheating which contribute to the harm that comes from e-cigarettes. Better quality Electronic cigarettes use microprocessor technology that is inbuilt and controls the time electronic cigarettes batteries discharge power. The battery cuts off power automatically hence avoiding exposure of the e-liquid for too long.

Research shows that inhaling nicotine in form of vapor reduces exposure to negative health risks and toxins. Electronic cigarettes are likely less harmful compared to traditional cigarettes to bystanders and users. E-Cigarettes also allow the user to control the amount of nicotine consumed which is helpful for those who want to reduce use or quit. Find out how much nicotine is in a cigarette here!

Besides being relatively safer than traditional cigarettes electronic cigarettes also have other advantages. Electronic cigarettes lack the distinctive odor associated with traditional cigarettes. The vapor exhaled from electronic cigarettes immediately evaporates.

Electronic cigarettes reduce the smoking expense compared to traditional cigarettes. The initial cost of the starter kit is the only expense that is high. The monthly expense of electronic smoking is half compared to traditional cigarettes. They also reduce the extra costs associated with traditional smoking like ashtrays and matches.

Electronic cigarettes are also safer in terms of causing fire hazards. E-cigarettes do not use open flame and cannot burn clothes or furniture. Electronic cigarettes are also safe since they reduce passive smoking which is harmful to nonsmokers.

Electronic smoking carries benefit over traditional smoking in that smokers can satisfy the craving for nicotine and smoke without being seen as intrusive or irresponsible.

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