• ragebutt@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    11 days ago

    Vaping is less carcinogenic than smoking by a significant degree but it is carcinogenic

    Acrolein, a carcinogen, forms in small amounts from the breakdown of glycerin during heating

    If a “dry hit” occurs the effect is worsened, acrolein forms in higher amounts, and formaldehyde (another carcinogen) can occur from the breakdown of both glycerin and propylene glycol

    Vaping still leads to inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs and long term use will almost certainly lead to irreversible damage

    Harm reduction is important. Vaping is likely better than smoking but it is not yet clear whether that is the case. It is likely the case based on short term anecdotal data from people who have switched but this does not mean that long term use won’t create more severe lung issues over a period of 20-30 years. We don’t know.

    In the meantime for further harm reduction to reduce risk you can vape with low temperatures as this mitigates much of the carcinogen risk, you can use reusable devices and frequently change coils and ensure the coil is saturated, and you can use a liquid that is free of flavorings as these present much of the “unknown” variables.

    Or you can work to quit. It is challenging. I smoked and vaped, I know it is tremendously hard. But frankly these companies don’t deserve your money. They’re all fucking scumbags