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As the number of electronic smokers increase, contrary to notions, evidence mounts that vaping is not less harmful than cigarette smoking. Studies show that vaping does not reduce harm but can cause more health problems such as cancer, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

Dr. Maricar Limpin, a top pulmonologist, presented studies to debunk the myth that vaping is not as harmful as tobacco smoking and warned of the emerging problem of vaping among young Filipinos.

The past president of the Philippine College of Physicians was the main presenter at the Stop C.O.V.I.D. Deaths Webinar #146 where she showed researches proving the increased risk of developing lung and heart diseases due to the presence of cancer-causing agents in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs).

The vaping problem

According to her, it is not true that majority of vapers are previous smokers, citing findings that 44% of vapers were not smokers and that vaping is getting to be a problem among young children.

Philippine data from Global Adult Tobacco Survey 15 and Global Youth Tobacco Survey 

2021 presented by Dr. Limpin showed 2.8% of 15 years and older and 14.1% of 15-year-olds had tried vaping. Moreover, the toxicological studies she shared showed that Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems/Electronic Non-nicotine Delivery Systems produce an aerosol that often contains many chemicals and toxins, some known to cause cancer, ischemic heart disease, lung disease, and stroke.

In humans, case reports showed “popcorn lung”, accelerated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and seizures; and case control studies showed heart disease according to the Population epidemiologic data EVALI or E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury.

In a 2018 study among adults in the US, it was found that the odds of getting COPD among e-cigarette users was 86 percent higher compared to non-users and that dual users post higher risk compared to just using e-cigarette or standard cigarette. Dr. Limpin warned against increasing dual use or using e-cigarettes among cigarette smokers. “We need to make sure and be very vigorous in really encouraging our patients not to use e-cigarettes and to stop smoking.”

“There is no strong scientific evidence that the e-cigarette reduces harm,” the top pulmonologist affirmed.

I Cynthia M. Villamor