Are Vaping and E-Cigarettes Safer Than Traditional Smoking? TMC MP Kirti Azad Faces Allegations in Lok Sabha

In a recent political stir, BJP released a video alleging that TMC MP Kirti Azad was using an e-cigarette inside the Lok Sabha. E-cigarettes, also known as vaping devices, have sparked widespread discussion regarding their health impacts, with many people assuming they are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. But how safe are they really?

Why People Use E-Cigarettes

Many individuals turn to e-cigarettes with the belief that they can help quit smoking regular cigarettes, assuming that vaping is less harmful. Additionally, e-cigarettes have become trendy among teenagers and new smokers due to their modern design and flavored options, which make them appealing as a “fashionable” alternative.

Chemical Composition: Cigarettes vs E-Cigarettes

According to Dr. Michael Joseph Blaha from John Hopkins Medicine, traditional tobacco cigarettes contain around 7,000 chemicals, most of which are toxic. E-cigarettes also contain chemicals, including nicotine, flavorings, and other compounds derived from tobacco. While e-cigarettes may release fewer chemicals than conventional cigarettes, they are not harmless. Cases of lung injuries and deaths linked to vaping have been reported extensively.

Risks to Heart and Lungs

Nicotine, a common element in both cigarettes and e-cigarettes, is addictive and can increase blood pressure and adrenaline levels, raising the risk of heart attacks. Research also links vaping to chronic lung disease, asthma, and other respiratory issues.

What’s Inside the E-Liquid?

The liquid in e-cigarettes, when heated, produces vapor inhaled into the lungs. According to Cleveland Clinic, this liquid can contain:

• Nicotine and flavoring agents
• Propylene glycol and glycerin
• Carcinogens like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde
• Lung-damaging chemicals such as THC compounds, acrolein, and diacetyl
• Vitamin E acetate linked to lung injury
• Heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead

Potential Health Hazards of Vaping

Experts warn that e-cigarettes may contribute to:

• Asthma and respiratory inflammation
• Lung scarring and organ damage
• EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury)
• Addiction and dependency
• Cancer risks
• Harm from secondhand exposure

Conclusion

While e-cigarettes may appear less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they carry significant health risks, particularly to the lungs and cardiovascular system. Health authorities continue to emphasize caution, especially for teenagers and new users.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Navbharat Times does not guarantee accuracy or assume responsibility for the content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance.