Teens Can Get Cancer from E-Cigarettes

A team of researchers found that teens can get cancer from e-cigarettes as the popular electronic devices contain toxic chemicals that can sicken users. The study challenges industry claims that e-cigs are safer than conventional cigarettes.

Researchers also found that fruity flavors contain the largest concentrations of cancer-causing chemicals. The study warns that teens who vape are virtually poisoning themselves with substances that are present in common cigarettes too.

The study shows that cigarette smokers have the same concentrations of those poisonous chemicals in their bloodstream as e-cigarette users. However, vapers have higher concentrations of chemicals that can lead to cancer than non-smokers.

Researchers underlined that past studies have shown that there are large concentrations of poisonous ingredients coming from the electronic devices in adults’ systems. The latest analysis shows that the toxins are present in the bodies of adolescents that use e-cigs too.

The findings appeared this week in the journal Pediatrics.

E-cigarette makers claim that the devices are a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products since they cannot cause cancer or lead to addiction. The devices are also touted as safe ways of quitting smoking.

Past Studies Have Warned Against the Dangers of Vaping

However, multiple studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health groups have expressed concern over the safety of the devices as they can get teens hooked on nicotine just like cigarettes do.

Many past studies concluded that kids and teens that use the devices later take up smoking as they are already addicted to nicotine. However, past studies have failed to produce hard evidence on the cancer-causing effects of the electronic devices.

The latest study suggests that the harmful ingredients in e-cigarettes’ juices can lead to cancer in the long run. Researchers highlighted that the toxic chemicals are not listed on the ingredient list, they are included in the larger category of ‘flavors.’
Image Source: Pexels

Bio
Latest Posts

Anne-Marie Jackson

Anna grew up on a steady diet of 20th century literature, science-fiction movies and Viking lore. Unsurprisingly she turned into a technology geek with an inclination for history & fantasy.