It’s no secret that vaping isn’t great for our health, but a terrifying simulation has brought to life what actually happens when we inhale these chemicals.The long-term effects of vaping remain unclear, according to the NHS, yet alarming stories continue to surface.For instance, one man was given just a one percent chance of survival after developing a vaping addiction, while a 17-year-old had to undergo a complex surgery to remove part of her lung after vaping the equivalent of 400 cigarettes per week.
Although vaping research is still in its early stages, we do know that it can be highly addictive due to the nicotine content.The NHS states: “Research on vaping-related harm is rapidly developing. Current evidence suggests vapes are less harmful than smoking tobacco products, but they aren’t risk-free.”Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. They also often contain other ingredients like propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavorings.”A new YouTube video has now revealed exactly what happens when vape chemicals enter the body, and the results are unsettling.The simulation demonstrates how chemicals affect the lungs, leading to a buildup of mucus on the alveoli—tiny air sacs crucial for oxygen exchange.According to the simulation, these chemicals have a ‘paralytic effect’ on the lungs and cilia, the hair-like structures that help clear mucus and debris. Recovery from this damage can take weeks.
Once the cilia are impaired, medical experts warn that the body becomes more vulnerable to infections and respiratory illnesses.A major concern surrounding vaping products is their appeal to teenagers, with various flavors and sleek designs making them particularly attractive to underage users.A 2023 scientific study found that 4.6% of middle school students (ages 11-14) and 10% of high school students (ages 14-18) reported using e-cigarettes or vapes, according to the CDC. In the U.S. alone, this equates to nearly 2.13 million students.While research into the long-term health effects of vaping is still developing, some studies are already identifying significant risks.A recent study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine compared lung inflammation in e-cigarette users and non-smokers. The findings linked e-cigarettes to increased lung inflammation and inflammatory lung disease, which, according to Very Well Health, can cause wheezing, breathing difficulties, chest pain, and tightness.
