It is popularly believed, especially among teens, that vaping is less harmful than tobacco. Major tobacco companies are required to display warnings at stores about the harm that tobacco does and the role that tobacco companies have had in covering up the risks. But a new study from the University of California-Davis, reported on by Futurism, a website about technology, found that vaping is actually a lot more toxic. In fact, some popular vapes contain levels of toxic metals so appalling, it is the equivalent of smoking packs of cigarettes.
When scientists did their study measuring the toxins found in vaping devices, they were so shocked that they thought their instruments were broken.
Specifically, they found concentrations of toxic forms of metals like nickel, chromium, and antimony. Nickel can cause lung and nasal cancer. Chromium can cause lung, nasal, and sinus cancers along with chronic bronchitis, asthma-like symptoms, and lung tissue damage. It can also cause nerve damage, cognitive impairment, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Antimony can lead to heart and lung problems when inhaled as a dust and cause vomiting when swallowed.
In addition, there is the matter of lead. The study in question showed that the first 200 puffs of one popular brand emitted more lead than 20 packs of cigarettes. Lead exposure, especially among children, leads to cognitive impairment; in fact, scientists have attributed the sudden drop in crime in the 1990’s to tougher lead regulations. In addition, it causes fatigue, abdominal pain, constipation, and loss of appetite. Missouri has passed laws requiring schools to get lead out of their water systems, test extensively, and declare water taps with too much lead in them not safe for drinking. In addition, cities are now required to monitor their water systems a lot more for lead. Grant City has been having a contractor come and test its water system for lead.
Two of the vapes studied emitted enough nickel and antimony to exceed cancer risk limits, while four of the vapes studied had nickel and lead emissions severe enough to be considered a risk for neurological damage and respiratory diseases. Another study found elevated uranium levels.
In Missouri, possession of a vaping device is an infraction under Missouri law. But schools can come down harshly on teens caught with a device on school property, including suspension from school, suspension from athletic contests, and loss of A+ scholarship and other scholarship opportunities.
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