Covid-like lesions detected in the lungs of e-cigarette users

Thoracic Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orhan Yücel stated 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 expose young people and adults to serious health problems. Yücel expressed that e-cigarettes could be even more dangerous than regular cigarettes because their contents are not regulated globally.

"THERE ARE MANY ADDICTIVE HARMFUL SUBSTANCES, NOT JUST NICOTINE"

The substances contained in electronic cigarettes are generally not fully known by users, and this situation increases the negative effects on health.

Yücel warned, "E-cigarette use contains not only nicotine but also many addictive harmful substances. These products, which are becoming widespread especially among young people, can weaken the lung's immune system and lead to serious health problems. The sweeteners and flavorings in e-cigarettes increase users' addiction to these products, which further expands the health risks."

"MAKES PASSIVE SMOKING A HIDDEN DANGER"

Pointing out that the toxic substances and nicotine in electronic cigarette vapor also pose a serious risk for passive smokers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel said, "The fact that electronic cigarettes are odorless causes the exposure to go unnoticed, while this situation also leads to addiction and toxic substance intake in passive smokers. Unlike regular cigarettes, the lack of odor in e-cigarettes makes passive smoking a hidden danger. This can cause these individuals to be exposed to more toxins and even increase the risk of cancer."

"CAN BE LINKED TO PREMATURE DEATHS"

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel stated that e-cigarette use can lead to serious health problems even in the short term. Citing research conducted in the United States, he noted that lesions resembling those seen in Covid-19 have been detected in the lungs of e-cigarette users, and that this condition can manifest 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 could be linked to premature deaths and that e-cigarette use can lead to potentially fatal health issues.

The negative effects of electronic 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 the general public, adding, "The widespread use of e-cigarettes, especially becoming a habit among young people, is a major source of concern for public health. Health experts are calling for the public to be informed about this issue and for young people to be protected from this dangerous habit."

"E-CIGARETTES ARE NOT A SOLUTION FOR QUITTING SMOKING"

The serious health effects of e-cigarette use pose a major 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, can exacerbate health problems, stating the following:

"The potential risks of the spread of e-cigarette use on public health cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is of great importance for individuals to be conscious of this issue and to make healthy lifestyle choices. Increasing awareness about the dangers and health risks contained in electronic cigarettes is an important step to be taken for public health."