Cigarettes and Marijuana and have been used for centuries, but only recently has the process
of vaporizing these substances become popular.
So, what does science have to say about this technology?
Is it actually better for you?
When smoking normally, the heat from fire causes substances to change from a solid state
to a vapor.
In cigarettes, this releases nicotine which is absorbed into your bloodstream through
the lungs, causing increased heart rate, constricted blood vessels, release of dopamine in the
brain and feelings of alertness.
But because nicotine is a stimulant, once it’s no longer present you crash and crave
more, which ultimately leads to addiction in many people.
In the case of marijuana, the active component THC is aerosolized and follows the same pathway
into your body, but with different effects which we explain in our video “Your Brain
on Marijuana” here.
Smoking only takes 6 seconds for the active compounds to reach your nervous system, unlike
chewing tobacco or eating edible marijuana which takes much more time, BUT you have to
inhale smoke in the process.
This smoke consist of partially burned particles which creates tar in your body, has cancer
causing effects, blackens teeth and destroys taste buds.
This is where vaping comes in.
If you can heat the active components enough to become aerosolized without starting a combustion
reaction with the other compounds, then you theoretically get fast effects without the
damage of smoke inhalation.
Vaping typically involves a glass or metal chamber which has an electrical current passing
through it - this way it can heat to a controlled temperature creating a vapor with minimal
combustion, meaning you inhale much less smoke.
For marijuana users, vaporizers have become popular as the plant material can be heated
to a specific temperature - usually between 185-210 degrees celsius - allowing just the
THC containing vapor to be extracted.
For e-cigarettes, using a liquid solution instead of dried tobacco has become popular;
this e-liquid contains water, nicotine, a base and occasionally flavourings, and vaporizes
at a much lower temperature.
But this is where things get tricky.
The “e-liquid” contains a base similar to that used in cosmetics and food which helps
maintain moisture without creating sogginess.
One common base called propylene glycol, which is also used in theatrical smoke, is known
to cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory infections.
So what’s going to happen after prolonged inhalation in e-cigarettes?
Scientists are still studying these effects, and even though in America the FDA has given
the seal of approval, much is still unknown.
E-liquid can also differ greatly between manufacturers with barely any regulation for additives.
Some have been found to contain diacetyl, a chemical that is known to give butter its
“buttery” taste.
Inhalation of this chemical can lead to scarring in the lungs known as “Popcorn Lung”,
named after hundreds of workers inhaled the chemical in a microwaveable popcorn factory
and suffered irreversible lung damage.
This is an example of how the lack of quality control in e-cigarettes should be a significant
concern.
But, current evidence does indicate that vaporizers administer nicotine with far less adverse
effects due to decreased carcinogenic products and smoke inhalation.
But less harmful does not mean safe.
E-cigarettes with added flavouring (such as blueberry or grape) have been found to contain
other harmful chemicals.
And second hand smoke is still an issue; exhaled particles from vaporizers known as “ultrafine
particles” are known to affect pulmonary health.
Others are worried that because these “e-cigs” are deemed healthier that they are becoming
more appealing for young people.
A study reported that continued use of e-cigarettes for teens in grade 6 - 12 had increased from
6% - 20% over 3 years.
On the other hand, much of the information we have on the adverse effects of smoking
comes from long term studies, with cancers appearing much later life.
Since vaporizer use is relatively new we simply don’t have the same access to longitudinal
studies.
So we’ll wait to see what the future brings.
Special thanks to audible for supporting this episode and giving you a free audiobook at
audible.com/asap.
This week we wanted to recommend the book ‘Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest
for a Fantastic Future’ by Ashlee Vance, which explores the full spectacle and arc
of the genius’ life, work and vision.
You can get a free copy at audible.com/asap or any others of your choice from a massive
selection!
We love them as they are great when you’re on the go.
Don’t forget to ask your burning questions, and subscribe for more weekly science videos
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