Exploring Employee Risks of Vaping at Work

In this article we look at the concerns surrounding e-cigarettes, and reveal the sole reason vaping is currently accepted despite the lack of health data.

Vaping was invented in China in 2003 and entered global consumer markets around 2005. Since its introduction many have viewed vaping with scepticism, claiming that it is too-good-to-be-true alternative to regular smoking. Between 2019 and 2020 cases have come to light which may link a fatal respiratory illness with vaping. However scientist are still struggling to identify the exact substance associated with “vapers lung”.

As with many recent technologies there is still a lack of empirical data on the health effects of vaping. This has resulted in a lack of regulation surrounding vaping and vape products at work.

We look at the concerns surrounding e-cigarettes, and reveal the sole reason vaping is currently acceptable despite the lack of health data

How does vaping work?

Vape pens are electronically-driven devices. They consist of a small lithium battery and an atomiser where liquid is stored. This liquid is aerosolised via a combination of energy and heat. The “e-liquids” used in vaping are usually bought separately and consist of propylene glycol, glycerol, distilled water, flavourings, and nicotine. There are a wide range of vape oil flavours, with hundreds of variations entering the market each year. The composition for additives such as nicotine and flavours varies from brand to brand. Studies have found over 80 chemicals in e-liquid including metallic particles and formaldehyde. Industry standards for E-liquid manufacturing have been created and published in the United States.

The sole benefit of vaping

E-cigarettes are free of tobacco but can be an effective substitute for even long-term smokers. There are predominantly 3 reasons that adults give for trying e-cigarettes:

• It is an aid to quit smoking
• It is a safer alternative to smoking
• It is a way to circumnavigate smoking laws

The addictive effects of nicotine and the habitual routine of smoking means that quitting “cold turkey” is a massive leap for heavy smokers. Full tobacco cessation is without doubt the most favourable outcome for smokers, however vapour has been viewed as a positive development towards tobacco harm reduction.  For the present vaping is acceptable due to its effectiveness as a tool to quit smoking, even though there are safer methods on the market.

Medical experts advise those quitting smoking should do so with the assistance of regulated cessation products such as Nicorette Inhalers and Nicorette Gum. These quitting products release controlled amounts of nicotine into the body at a slower rate than inhalation, and they substitute the physical habit of smoking.

Vaping risks

Respiratory illness

Smoking tobacco has the benefit of decades of medical research on the dangers of cigarettes. We know that smoking exposes users to to the toxic effects of over 4000 chemicals and carcinogens. In comparison our understanding of vaping and e-cigarettes is extremely limited. Users of e-cigarettes may be exposing themselves to all kinds of chemicals in vaping oils that we do not yet understand and that are probably not safe.

Exploding pens

Vape pens have be known to explode, causing fires and burns. The closer an exploding pen is to a users hand, pocket or mouth the more damage it causes. Most e-cigarettes have built-in safety features and even those may explode if misused. In most cases lithium-ion batteries are at the root of exploding vape pens. The following situations may lead to battery explosions:

• Sub-standard electrical products
• Damage to the battery through physical impact
• The wrong battery charger is used for the device
• The device is overcharged or left overnight
• The lithium-ion battery malfunctions due to short-circuiting
• Damaged or overheating batteries are not taken out of use

Battery explosions are the most high risk of vape pen malfunctions, however most incidents are associated with leakage of battery contents

Battery explosions are the most damaging of vape pen malfunctions however most incidents are associated with leakage of battery contents. Leaking causes minor burns where they come into contact with bare skin. See here for more information on Lithium Ion Battery care.

Nicotine addiction

While e-cigarettes are free of tobacco, most solutions contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Nicotine is a toxic substance and can affect the cardiovascular system and blood sugar levels. The inhalation of nicotine via vaping causes craving, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. Vaping may not be as harmful as regular cigarettes however it is just as addictive due to the ritualistic nature of vaping and nicotine content. The nicotine of vape oils can range from zero-nicotine to extra strong. Nicotine concentration can also be increased by upping the voltage of the pen to get a stronger “hit”.

Gateway to tobacco

There is strong literary evidence to suggests that vaping may be a “gateway” to regular tobacco use. Young people who have never smoked view vaping as harmless and are enticed by the sweet smells given off by the various e-liquids. Whilst it may simulate smoking there is a certain tolerance around vaping and it is also a much cheaper habit. This new generation of people getting hooked on vaping nicotine could lead to them using tobacco in the future. Again, these claims are unproven by long-term empirical evidence.

Comment

A recurring theme on this website is that of new technologies and the unknown risks they present to the workforce. The use of vape pens/e-cigarettes falls solidly into this category as the use of vaping products is new and their use is rising exponentially. It is clear that vaping is potentially dangerous considering that people are exposing themselves to chemicals that are not yet understood. Between 2019 and 2020 cases have arisen which may link a respiratory illness with vaping. But there is still not enough research or clinical information to regulate and control the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and vaping.

But there there is still not enough research or clinical information to regulate and control the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and vaping

It is expected that the future will present cases of respiratory illness associated with the habit. Vaping and passive vaping at work requires in-house regulation until the health implications are fully understood. The following information may be made available in places of work:

Further reading

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