E-Cigarettes Threaten Youth and Heighten Cancer Risks
E-cigarettes, touted as safer alternatives, pose significant cancer risks through toxic chemicals. Learn how they harm both users and bystanders.
Editors 
E-Cigarettes Threaten Youth and Heighten Cancer Risks
Hidden Dangers of E-Cigarettes: A Silent Threat
E-cigarettes, often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, are proving to carry their own risks. Experts warn that the heating process of e-cigarettes converts certain chemicals into carcinogens, potentially damaging lung tissue and paving the way for respiratory diseases and even lung cancer.
Dr. Alptekin Çetin, a Psychiatry Specialist at Üsküdar University's NPİSTANBUL Hospital, sheds light on these alarming findings, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, especially among the youth. "While e-cigarettes lack the combustion process seen in traditional cigarettes, the notion of them being entirely safe is misleading. Many of the chemicals present can lead to cancer and cause long-term harm to overall health," Dr. Çetin explains.
The Heating Process and Long-Term Damage
E-cigarettes function by heating liquid nicotine along with flavoring agents, converting them into inhalable vapor. This process, however, transforms substances like propylene glycol and glycerol into toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde—known carcinogens.
“These chemicals irritate lung tissue, triggering inflammation that can result in chronic conditions like asthma and bronchitis,” Dr. Çetin states. "Over time, these toxins may cause permanent damage to lung cells, alter DNA, and significantly increase the risk of cancer."
Secondhand Exposure: A Public Health Concern
The dangers of e-cigarettes aren't limited to users alone. According to Dr. Çetin, secondhand exposure to e-cigarette vapor can harm bystanders, especially in enclosed spaces.
“Carcinogens present in the vapor can increase risks of lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory issues in passive inhalers,” Dr. Çetin warns. “Additionally, exposure can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight cancer cells.”
Dispelling the "No Combustion, No Risk" Myth
While traditional cigarettes produce thousands of harmful chemicals through combustion, the absence of combustion in e-cigarettes does not eliminate cancer risks.
"E-cigarettes still contain chemicals that can harm lung tissue," explains Dr. Çetin. "They may appear to pose lower risks compared to traditional cigarettes, but they are far from risk-free. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can still lead to serious health issues, including cancer."
Youth at Greater Risk
E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults. This trend, Dr. Çetin cautions, is alarming due to the heightened vulnerability of developing lungs to toxic substances.
“Young people exposed to nicotine are at greater risk of developing addiction and permanent changes in brain chemistry. This exposure can set the stage for serious diseases, including cancer, later in life,” he adds.
Linking E-Cigarettes to Chronic Diseases
Dr. Çetin also highlights the link between e-cigarette use and chronic respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma, conditions that further elevate the risk of lung cancer.
“These diseases weaken lung tissue and reduce its ability to recover from damage, creating an environment conducive to cancer development,” he notes.
A Call for Awareness
Dr. Çetin urges immediate action to curb the rising use of e-cigarettes, particularly among the youth, through education and policy intervention. “We must act now to prevent long-term health crises and protect the next generation from the hidden dangers of e-cigarettes.”
