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What are the pros and cons of vaping?
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Vaping is bad

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Vaping is injurious to health

False advertisement of e-cigarettes being "healthier" has turned focus away from the toxic compounds found in e-juices that can cause cancer and other diseases. Cases of serious lung diseases resulting in intubation, hospitalization, and death are linked with vaping.

The Argument

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 200 e-cigarette users have developed serious lung illnesses across 22 states in the US. Although experts are uncertain if vaping is the main factor in the users' lung diseases, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, etc., indicate the use of e-cigarettes. [1] Most vaping products contain nicotine, which impacts the user's brain development by altering nerve cell functioning. In the US from 2013 to 2018, the average nicotine concentration doubled in stores. At least 60 other chemical compounds can be found in e-liquids, which can be harmful to the user. These components can cause respiratory infections, and the main flavors they come in haven't even been studied to examine the harm they can cause to a user's body. However, many flavors contain chemicals that can be respiratory irritants and cause inflammation. The FDA is also currently investigating the link between vaping and seizures as reported cases amongst e-cigarettes users have grown. [2] There is a threat of battery-operated devices exploding in one's mouth. From 2015 to 2017, there were more than two thousand cases of burns from e-cigarettes explosions. [3] E-cigarettes have not been regulated long enough to specify the harm they can do to users in the long term. Still, the serious cases that have resulted in illnesses amongst users are a signal towards the harm e-cigarettes can cause. Vaping is beneficial if used as an alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but they do not have any long term benefits that can serve youth who haven't even smoked before.

Counter arguments

The difference in costs between cigarettes and e-cigarettes may cause a smoker to shift towards e-cigarettes. Cigarettes are expensive, while vape products are cheap. For smoking addicts, it is difficult to keep smoking traditional cigarettes when they could almost get the same effect from e-cigarettes. Although the high price may cause some smokers to consider not smoking altogether, the vape industry's rise makes it convenient for smokers to access an alternative for cheaper. The wide selection of flavors and nicotine dosage offers a range and an enjoyable smoking experience. Vaping doesn't also leave a smell on the body and clothes as traditional cigarettes do. Some smokers often feel guilty about their addiction, and e-cigarettes offer a safe alternative. [4] Despite vape products having a negative impact, the advantages they have compared to cigarettes largely determine why smokers would switch to it. After all, smoking tobacco cigarettes also causes cancer and other harms to the body.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
  2. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/what-are-long-term-effects-vaping
  3. https://www.center4research.org/vaping-safer-smoking-cigarettes-2/
  4. https://e-cigreviews.org.uk/top-reasons-to-switch-to-vaping/
This page was last edited on Tuesday, 17 Nov 2020 at 16:46 UTC

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