Vaping has become a growing trend in recent years. Like many others, I initially started out of curiosity. Even though it is new, I was convinced that it was a less harmful alternative to smoking. However, over time, I began to hear of health horror stories linked to vaping. It started off as one story here, another story there… Now, the stories are piling up, and that is hard to ignore. I realized that the consequences of vaping are just as dangerous, if not more so. As a mother and an artist, I couldn’t afford to ignore the potential risks any longer. Here’s why I decided to stop vaping.
One of the first things that stood out to me about vaping was the cost. Vaping devices, e-liquids, and accessories are not cheap. While it might seem like a small expenditure in the moment, those dollars add up. That’s not even factoring in the replacement coils, batteries, and the various flavors. There are so many different flavors in the vape world; a new flavor will always catch your eye.
As a mother, my priorities shifted. I realized that this money could be better spent on my family. As a unit, our well-being and other essential needs should come first. That includes me and not just the kids. Vaping was not only an unnecessary drain on my finances, but it also distracted me from what truly matters. My health and my family’s future are always number one.
The more I thought about it, the clearer it became: vaping could take me away from my family far too soon. It was easy to fall into the trap of believing that vaping is harmless. Deep down, it was a different story. I knew it was still a form of smoking that contained nicotine. I knew that it could turn into an addiction that could. An unhealthy one at that, that could prematurely end my life.
The Lack of Long-Term Studies
While vaping has been around for a little over a decade. However, it’s still considered relatively new. Just think, this is compared to the decades of research on smoking vs. that one decade that vaping has been a thing. The science just isn’t there yet. It’s one thing to know that smoking can lead to a myriad of diseases and ailments. Vaping and smoking are identical in so many ways.
There are still too many unknowns when it comes to the long-term effects of vaping. The risks aren’t fully understood. Not to mention, the chemicals found in e-liquids may be more dangerous than initially believed. What happens when these substances enter the lungs daily for years? We simply don’t know yet. Until there’s more conclusive evidence about the long-term risks of vaping, I’m out. I couldn’t continue to ignore the uncertainty and potential dangers.
Popcorn Lung: The Scary Reality
One of the most alarming things I’ve learned about vaping is the condition known as “popcorn lung.” Medically known as “bronchiolitis obliterans.” Popcorn lung is a rare but serious condition where the small airways in the lungs become damaged. This leads to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and even permanent lung damage. This condition has been linked to a chemical called diacetyl. Diacetyl is commonly used in many e-cigarette flavorings.
Popcorn Lung was first discovered in workers who were exposed to large amounts of diacetyl. Mainly in microwave popcorn factories. Recent studies have shown that the same chemical is also present in many vaping liquids. While not every e-cigarette contains diacetyl, the risk of developing popcorn lung is too great to ignore. As an artist and a creator, I need my voice and my health. Damaging my lungs to the point where I could struggle to breathe or speak is simply unacceptable.
As an artist, I rely heavily on my voice. Whether I’m speaking, singing, or simply expressing myself, my voice is one of my most valuable tools. The decision to stop vaping wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. It took time for me to fully understand the impact vaping could have on my life, my health, and my family. But once I made the decision, it felt empowering. I’m choosing to invest in my health and in my future, rather than continuing a costly and risky habit. As a mother, I need to be there for my family for as long as possible. As an artist, I need my voice and my breath to do what I love.
About the Author
