Science Friday Can Vaping Help You Quit Cigarettes? What Are The Risks?
Feb 10, 2025
Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, an Assistant Professor at UMass Amherst, dives into the complex world of vaping and smoking cessation. She discusses the effectiveness of e-cigarettes compared to traditional methods like patches. The conversation also uncovers the risks of dual use—mixing smoking with vaping—and common misconceptions about vaping's dangers. Moreover, Jamie sheds light on the striking differences in health risks between e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, all while emphasizing the urgent need for more research in this evolving field.
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Vaping vs. Smoking Risks
- The harms of smoking are clear: cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
- Vaping risks are harder to assess, especially after the 2019-2020 EVALI outbreak.
EVALI Cause
- EVALI, the vaping-associated lung injury outbreak, was linked to vitamin E acetate.
- This additive was found in some e-liquids, especially those containing THC.
Safe Vaping Practices
- Buy licensed vapes to avoid harmful additives.
- Be cautious when purchasing from unregulated sources like a "neighbor's garage."