Contributed by – Healthians Team
Smoking kills! Tobacco use is the second leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The harmful effects of tobacco abuse is known to all. Still a lot of us are trapped in the shackles of smoking. Breaking the chains of this deadly addiction can seem like an impossible task. This is when the other alternatives to cigarettes come into play.
Famously known as safer alternative to cigarettes, these options are witnessing a huge demand among smokers. But, are these options really safe? Can these alternate smoking options really be a safe haven for smokers? For much needed answers to these question, let’s explore the truth behind them.
Is Vaping Or Using Electronic Cigarettes Dangerous?
E-cig is a portable, electronic device, which contains e-liquid made up of chemicals and flavours. The e-liquid gets heated up to vapour form which people inhale while vaping. E-cigs are often used by people who cannot quit smoking and some do it just for the thrill. Some e-cigs use nicotine which is not only addictive but also raises health risks. The amount and type of chemicals that you are exposed to vary with brand, types etc.
Common health problems linked with regular vaping include:
- Gum and dental disease
- Lowered immunity
- Risk of allergies and infections
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Chronic lung disease
- Constant cough
- Breathlessness
- Risk of lung cancer
Although considered less harmful vaping is as harmful as conventional smoking. The illusion of safer alternatives to cigarettes need to be busted, smoking in any form is going to adversely affect your health.
Are Hookahs A Safer Option?
The age old traditional has gained massive popularity. Hookah smoking has become the new trend especially among the younger crowd. It has become an integral part of social gatherings, group hangouts and get togethers. Hookah is shared between a group of people which also increases the chances of spread of infection.
Hookah works on concept where tobacco is burnt by the heat of the charcoal and the smoke generated is cooled down by the water which then travels through a pipe like structure to reach the smoker. The tobacco is mixed with a varied range of favours like mint, fruit, honey or molasses to give an interesting twist.
Hookah smoke contains carbon, nicotine and other chemicals, which are dangerous. It also produces second hand smoke, which is hazardous for the passive smokers. Hookah smoking can cause:
- Lung cancer
- Chronic bronchitis
- Heart disorders
- Oral infections
- Dental problems
- Osteoporosis
- Risk of spreading infections
Say No To tobacco
Tobacco is harmful by all means. There is no safe form of tobacco consumption or smoking; be it smokeless tobacco, herbal cigarettes, hand-rolled or natural cigarettes, vaping or hookah. Promoted as safer options, is just a marketing gimmick. In reality these so called safer alternatives of smoking are extremely dangerous. Even in tobacco-free varieties burning or inhaling of chemicals can be dangerous.
Tobacco abuse in any form even passive smoking increases the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. There are no safe alternatives to smoking. So, quit smoking and encourage the smokers around you to give up this bad habit.
Choose health, not tobacco!
