LETTERS: While cigarette smoking poses health risks, second-hand smoke exposure is also harmful to our health.
Second-hand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens.
Exposure to second-hand smoke has been linked to heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory problems.
Similarly, e-cigarettes pose risks to users and non-users.
Vapers emit an aerosol, or vape smoke, which contains chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals and flavourings.
While e-cigarette smoke may contain fewer chemicals than cigarette smoke, scientific studies have suggested that exposure to second-hand e-cigarette smoke may be just as harmful, if not more harmful, than second-hand smoke from cigarettes.
This is concerning given that many e-cigarette users are youths, who may not be aware of the risks associated with vaping.
This is because vape smoke contains chemicals that can irritate and damage the respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
A 2018 study, "Acute pulmonary effects of aerosolised nicotine", reported that inhaling aerosolised nicotine from e-cigarettes can cause lung injury and pulmonary edema in tested rats, as well as congested blood vessels.
The findings suggest that exposure to nicotine can reduce lung function and damage airway epithelial cells, which can cause respiratory problems.
Notably, these symptoms are similar to those of long Covid in the lungs, which is caused by pulmonary fibrosis.
This condition occurs when lung tissue becomes scarred, making it harder for the lungs to function.
In addition to pulmonary fibrosis, long Covid can also cause other lung-related symptoms, such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing.
Although vaping does not emit the same strong odours as cigarettes, the second-hand vapour or aerosol still contains chemicals and compounds that contaminate indoor air.
Despite being odourless, microscopic particles from the vapour can stick to surfaces and dust, and may be inhaled into the lungs as third-hand smoke.
Furthermore, scientific studies have indicated that exposure to diacetyl in e-cigarette vapour can cause popcorn lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious lung disease that is caused by exposure to diacetyl.
This lung disease is characterised by scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs, resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways.
The symptoms of popcorn lung include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and the disease can be debilitating or even fatal in severe cases.
While diacetyl, a chemical used to create a buttery flavour in microwave popcorn, is no longer used in microwave popcorn due to its health risks, it is still used in e-cigarette flavourings.
Lung medical specialists have urged those who use e-cigarettes to be aware of the risks associated with diacetyl and other chemicals in vape flavourings. It is important to avoid e-cigarette products and abstain from using them.
We urge our leaders to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our community through the promotion of smoke-free environments and to support initiatives that encourage healthy choices and behaviours.
Moreover, we should prioritise public health and safety by implementing regulations and policies that limit the use of harmful chemicals in e-cigarette products.
PROFESSOR LONG CHIAU MING KOONG XINWEI
School of Medical and Life Sciences, SSunway University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times