Chest Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orhan Yücel states that the rapid spread of e-cigarettes among young people poses a major threat to the health of this age group. Although electronic cigarettes are often marketed as an alternative for those who want to quit smoking, in reality these products make users more addicted.
The various chemicals and high nicotine levels they contain cause serious health problems for young people and adults. Yücel states that e-cigarettes can be even more dangerous than regular cigarettes because their content cannot be controlled worldwide.
“IT IS NOT JUST NICOTINE, THERE ARE MANY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES THAT ARE ADDICTIVE”
The substances contained in e-cigarettes are generally not fully known by users, and this increases the negative effects on health. Yücel stated that “E-cigarette use contains not only nicotine but also many harmful substances that are addictive. These products, which are especially widespread among young people, can cause serious health problems by weakening the lungs’ immune system. The sweeteners and flavors in e-cigarettes increase users’ addiction to these products, which further expands the health risks.”
“IT TURNS PASSIVE SMOKING INTO A HIDDEN DANGER”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel, who pointed out that the toxic substances and nicotine in e-cigarette smoke also pose a serious risk to passive smokers, said, “The fact that e-cigarettes are odorless causes exposure to go unnoticed, and this situation leads to addiction and toxic substance intake in passive smokers. Unlike regular cigarettes, the fact that e-cigarettes have no odor makes passive smoking a hidden danger. This can cause these people to be exposed to more toxins and even increase their risk of cancer.”
“IT MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY DEATHS”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel states that e-cigarette use can cause serious health problems even in the short term. He states that based on research conducted in America, lesions resembling Covid-19 have been detected in the lungs of people using e-cigarettes and that this condition can be seen in as little as three months.
“These findings show that e-cigarettes are a rapidly spreading health threat among young people,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel, emphasizing that these products can be associated with premature deaths and that e-cigarette use can lead to potentially fatal health problems.
The negative effects of e-cigarette use on public health are widespread. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel stated that these products can cause serious health problems not only for users but also for society in general, and said, “The widespread use of e-cigarettes, especially among young people, is a major concern for public health. Health experts are calling for public awareness on this issue and for young people to be protected from this dangerous habit.”
“E-CIGARETTE IS NOT A SOLUTION TO QUIT SMOKING”
The serious health effects of e-cigarette use pose a great danger to both young people and adults. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orhan Yücel pointed out that these products are not a solution for quitting smoking and on the contrary, they can increase health problems and said the following:
“The potential risks of widespread e-cigarette use on public health cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is of great importance for individuals to be aware of this issue and make healthy lifestyle choices. Raising awareness about the dangers and health risks of e-cigarettes is an important step for public health.” (İHA)