What is Second-Hand Vaping?
Second-hand vaping occurs when an individual is near someone who is breathing out vapour from an e-cigarette, in which the vapour being exhaled is in the same air being inhaled by each person, respectively.
With vaping, there is no burning of substances, and thus, no combustion. Due to this, it is thought to be not as dangerous as traditional smoking to others within the shared environment. However, there are studies that provide evidence that supports the fact that there are various toxic substances being released during e-cigarette use.
It is also noted that you do not have to be in a tightly confined area with the vaper in order to experience negative side effects. Ultra-fine particles found in vapour can be transmitted to the lungs of other people within the same space. The chemicals found in e-cigarettes increase risk for passive bystanders to experience negative effects.
The high concentration of ultra-fine particles in the aerosol can aggravate respiratory symptoms and cause constriction of blood vessels. Those exposed may experience similar symptoms to actually smoking, including:
- eye, throat and airway irritation
- asthmatic episodes
- damage and disease to the lungs
Exposure and Risks
Though there are no carbon emission with e-cigarette use, researchers believe that second hand exposure can still pose some relatively negative risks. It has been reported that children are more sensitive to toxic substances. However, studies involving the exposure of human participants to harmful substances is not ethical, and as a result, data is limited.
With more teens vaping now more than ever before, younger groups are more at risk. In addition, teenagers are typically more susceptible to peer pressure, so it may be more difficult for those individuals to remove themselves from social situations that pose health risks. Those with pre-existing lung or breathing conditions are also at greater risk for adverse second-hand smoking effects. Those with previous health conditions may experience heightened effects from second-hand vaping.
For now, it is stressed that there be strict restrictions on user age and indoor/ outdoor smoking areas, as well as future research done in this area of concern.
References
Roberts, C. (2019, September 19). Secondhand vaping: How to protect yourself from this new health risk. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/news/secondhand-vaping-the-new-health-risk-you-didnt-even-know-was-an-issue/
Side Effects of Vaping: Risks Explained by Studies and Researches (2019, November 21). Retrieved from https://vapingdaily.com/what-is-vaping/vaping-side-effects/
Teens Exposed to ‘Secondhand’ Vaping Fumes. (2019, August 28). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20190828/lots-of-teens-are-breathing-in-others-vaping-fumes#1
