Vaping, or smoking electronic cigarettes, has gained popularity since it is seen as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and may even aid in quitting smoking. The fact that a lot of people are presently moving to e-cigarettes is not shocking. However, doctors say that using e-cigarettes near infants and children is just as risky as using traditional cigarettes.

Dangers of e-cigarettes for children's health

E-cigarettes or vapes, are a type of electronic nicotine conductor. This cigarette usually consists of a battery, heater and a cartridge filled with liquid to be smoked. The liquid in this tube contains ingredients such as nicotine, glycerin, propylene glycol, flavorings and many other components that are still being researched further.

E-cigarettes work by heating fluid in a small device to produce aerosols that you can breathe into your lungs. The smoker then inhales these particles into the mouth, and then the aerosol descends into the throat and enters the lungs.

Many consider this aerosol safer than conventional cigarette smoke so smokers do not hesitate to smoke cigarettes anywhere, including around children. However, vaping or smoking e-cigarettes are both dangerous for children. One of the compounds mentioned above, namely glycerin and propylene glycol, can form formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, which are known carcinogens, which are substances that can increase the risk of cancer.

Some of the dangers of smoking e-cigarettes around children include:

Secondhand exposure

Since e-cigarettes are relatively new compared to traditional cigarettes and haven't been in circulation as long, there are limited studies detailing the risks they pose to children. Understanding the extent of e-cigarette smoke exposure among passive smokers will require time. However, experts emphasize that there is substantial data indicating the harmful effects of nicotine and regular cigarette smoke on children's health.

Babies exposed to cigarette smoke face an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), while children exposed to smoke are more prone to developing ear infections, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and respiratory issues. E-cigarettes are known to contain nicotine, ultrafine particles, and flavorings like diacetyl, a chemical linked to severe lung disease.

Furthermore, studies have identified volatile organic compounds like benzene, commonly found in car exhaust fumes, in e-cigarettes. Additionally, vapes contain heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and copper. The smoke from traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes poses environmental hazards to both children and adults.

Accidental ingestion

Another often overlooked risk is accidental exposure resulting from improper storage of e-cigarettes. A U.S. analysis from 2018 revealed that between 2012 and 2017, there were 8,269 incidents of liquid nicotine exposure among children under five years old.

Children who are exposed to e-cigarette vapor at home face a fivefold increase in the risk of hospitalization and twice the risk of experiencing severe health issues compared to children exposed to traditional cigarette smoke.

Experiencing health problems

Infants and young children exposed to vape aerosols face respiratory health hazards. They may encounter various breathing issues, including:

•  Asthma
•  Bronchiolitis
•  Bronchitis
•  Pneumonia

Apart from lung-related disorders, exposure to cigarette smoke can also impact a child's brain development significantly due to the brain's heightened sensitivity to harmful chemicals,, even in minimal quantities. Children with preexisting lung or other health conditions are at a heightened risk of health complications when exposed to cigarette smoke.

In terms of children's behavioral development, those who grow up in smoking households are twice as likely to become smokers during adolescence, posing significant health risks in adulthood.

Inhaling cigarette smoke, whether from traditional or electronic cigarettes, is hazardous to the health of individuals nearby, including children. Smoking around children not only jeopardizes their physical health but also hinders their growth, development, and behavior.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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