In modern society, e-cigarettes have gradually entered people's field of vision. Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol using a battery-powered e-cigarette device (usually an electronic cigarette). According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 99% of e-cigarette devices contain nicotine.

Some people attempt to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking or consider them a "safer" alternative to traditional cigarettes. Indeed, e-cigarettes contain fewer carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals) compared to the 7,000 mixtures in cigarettes. However, this by no means implies that vaping is risk-free. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved e-cigarettes as an effective smoking cessation aid.

E-cigarettes work by using an electronic device to heat "e-liquid" and produce an aerosol for inhalation. The act of using e-cigarettes and similar devices is known as "vaping." They come in a variety of appearances. Some resemble battery-powered versions of ordinary cigarettes, while others look like everyday items such as USB drives. There are disposable ones and refillable e-cigarette cartridges (whose nicotine content can be 20 times that of a cigarette). The vast majority of e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products by the FDA, and some are used to deliver marijuana. Besides nicotine, they usually also contain flavorings and various other chemicals.

Similar to smoking, vaping requires inhaling a mixture of nicotine and other chemicals. Although many people believe it to be safer, e-cigarette aerosol may still contain harmful substances such as nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogens. Among American teenagers, e-cigarettes are even more popular than smoking. This may be due to their higher prevalence, diverse flavors, and the fact that they are easier to conceal from parents and teachers (as they don't produce the same smell as smoking). Although some claim that e-cigarettes can help with smoking cessation, relevant research remains inconclusive. Moreover, many e-cigarette users also smoke. This "dual use" behavior may increase the risk of heart disease and many other health problems.

Vaping poses numerous serious health risks, covering both physical and mental aspects. In terms of addiction, since e-cigarettes contain nicotine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they can cause many of the same symptoms and health risks as any other form of nicotine use. These may include irritation of the eyes, nose, lungs, airways, and throat, headache, nausea, increased blood pressure, rapid heart rate. Using during pregnancy can lead to low birth weight and premature birth, and large doses can cause seizures. Nicotine is also highly addictive. Once the body becomes dependent on it, nicotine withdrawal symptoms may occur. These symptoms may include intense cravings, anxiety, depression, restlessness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Additionally, research shows that vaping also increases the risk of developing other addictions, especially among teenagers and young adults.

Regarding mental health, research indicates that vaping may increase the likelihood of experiencing mental health symptoms and disorders. These include depression, mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In terms of sexual dysfunction, studies have found that using e-cigarettes increases the risk of sexual and reproductive dysfunction. For example, erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced sperm count, and changes in certain fertility hormone levels. This may be due to the inflammatory effects of e-cigarettes. In terms of lung diseases, since vaping involves inhaling fine particles deep into the lungs, it is associated with various potentially fatal lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and emphysema. In recent years, the CDC and the American Lung Association (ALA) have warned that the number of e-cigarette users diagnosed with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) is increasing. Researchers suspect that common e-cigarette additives such as vitamin E acetate may be the culprit. The potential link between e-cigarettes and cancer is still being explored. However, there is no doubt that e-cigarette users are exposed to many different toxic chemicals, including carcinogens. Besides formaldehyde, e-cigarette devices also contain a variety of heavy metals such as nickel, chromium, and cadmium.

If you want to quit vaping, although it is difficult, you are not alone. First, find motivation. Consider how quitting vaping can help you achieve your desired life. Set a "quit date" and let others know. Give yourself some time and space to prepare, but don't procrastinate too long. Otherwise, you may forget your goal. Develop a quitting plan based on your personal lifestyle and needs. Consider how to deal with cravings, avoid triggers, and maintain motivation. Seek support. Form a support team that can help you in difficult times. Your team can include friends, relatives, peers, and medical professionals such as smoking cessation counselors. Look for resources. You can call 1 - 800 - QUIT - NOW, 1 - 877 - 44U - QUIT, or the LiveHelp service of the National Cancer Institute. If you have difficulty quitting on your own, or if vaping has a negative impact on your thoughts, feelings, physical and mental health, finances, relationships, social life, impulse control, concentration, work or study performance, self-esteem, sense of control over your life, etc., it is time to seek help from a healthcare provider.

In conclusion, vaping is not as safe as people think. It brings many serious and even fatal health risks such as addiction, mental health disorders, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, lung diseases, and cancer. If you have the intention to quit, actively seek external support and help to stay away from the harm of e-cigarettes and regain a healthy life.