Die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen von Niedrigtemperatur-E-Zigaretten

Although low-temperature e-cigarettes differ from traditional cigarettes or high-temperature e-cigarettes in terms of heating methods, their health hazards still cannot be ignored, mainly reflected in multiple aspects such as the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, immune system, and cancer risk.

First, respiratory system hazards

Airway mucosal damage: The aerosols produced by low-temperature e-cigarettes still contain components such as nicotine, propylene glycol, and glycerol. These substances can irritate the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to a decline in ciliary motility and mucosal secretion dysfunction, reducing the self-cleaning and defense capabilities of the respiratory tract, and easily causing symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath, increasing the risk of respiratory tract infections.

Risk of lung diseases: Long-term inhalation of aerosols produced by low-temperature e-cigarettes may lead to lung inflammation, reduce lung function, and increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and other diseases. In addition, the flavoring agents in some e-liquids (such as diacetyl) may also cause “popcorn lung” (bronchiolitis obliterans pneumonia), which is a serious and irreversible lung disease.

Carcinogenic risk: During the heating process of e-liquid, toxic aldehyde substances such as formaldehyde and acrolein may be produced. These substances have a strong irritating effect on the respiratory system and are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Long-term inhalation of these substances will increase the risk of developing cancers such as lung cancer.

Second, cardiovascular system hazards

Elevated blood pressure: Nicotine excites the sympathetic nerve, releasing hormones such as norepinephrine, which causes an accelerated heartbeat and constricted blood vessels, thereby raising blood pressure and adding a burden to the heart and blood vessels.

Increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases: Nicotine can damage vascular endothelial cells, promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, and also increase blood viscosity and platelet aggregation, making it easy to form blood clots and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

Third, neurological hazards

Affecting neural development: The brains of teenagers are in a stage of development. The nicotine in low-temperature e-cigarettes can interfere with the normal development and connection of nerve cells, affecting cognitive functions such as learning, memory and attention, and may also increase the risk of neurological diseases.

Addiction and mental problems: Nicotine is highly addictive. Once addicted, it can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as abnormal secretion of dopamine, leading to mental symptoms like anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can also reduce a person’s willpower and self-control ability.

Fourth, harm to the immune system

The nicotine, formaldehyde, heavy metals and other components in low-temperature e-cigarettes can inhibit the function of immune cells, interfere with the normal regulation and response ability of the immune system, and reduce the body’s resistance to pathogens. Long-term use of e-cigarettes can increase inflammatory responses, making the respiratory tract more vulnerable to pathogen invasion and raising the risk of infection.

Fifth, other potential risks

Oral health issues: The smoke from low-temperature e-cigarettes can reduce saliva secretion, causing dry mouth, facilitating bacterial growth, and leading to oral diseases such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gingivitis.

The harm to special groups: For special groups such as teenagers, pregnant women and fetuses, the harm of low-temperature electronic cigarettes is more significant. The use of e-cigarettes by teenagers can affect brain development and cognitive functions. The use of e-cigarettes by pregnant women may have adverse effects on the growth and development of the fetus.