Introduction
The use of products containing nicotine, like E-cigarettes, snus, juuls, hookah, and vapes, is becoming more common among both adolescents as well as adults (Taylor et al., 2021). These products are also advertised as safer substitutes to traditional tobacco products, with long-term health impacts still in question. According to Taylor et al. (2021), nicotine is an addictive substance, and the use of these products can cause nicotine addiction along with other health issues. The objective of this research paper is to explore the possible health outcomes of consumable nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to e-cigarettes, snus, juuls, hookahs, and vapes. We will discuss the risks associated with these products for our oral and overall health and focus on their hazards. Additionally, we will provide information about some of the studies conducted on these products. Finally, we will highlight the limitations of the existing studies and emphasize the importance of further research to better understand the associated health risks.
Vapes and e-cigarettes.
Vaping, which is often seen as an alternative means of smoking cigarettes, has become a trend among people of all age groups, especially adolescents and youths (Vickerman et al., 2021). Nevertheless, studies like Vickerman et al. (2021) have revealed disturbing health implications of the use of e-cigarettes, which are also referred to as vapes. According to Tsai et al. (2020), vapes and e-cigarettes lead to dry mouth condition, which is referred to as xerostomia. This condition tends to reduce the production of saliva, and nicotine present in e-cigarettes can be an agent that leads to this (Tsai et al., 2020). This dry environment hastens the growth of bacteria in the mouth, making gum diseases and tooth decay more likely (Tsai et al., 2020). In addition, the chemicals found in liquids, such as propylene glycol and glycerin, cause irritation of the throat and oral tissues, leading to inflammation that may cause cancer of the mouth.
Apart from the negative impact on oral health, vaping also poses severe threats to overall health. According to Irusa et al. (2020), the substance nicotine present in e-cigarettes is highly addictive and makes the user become dependent and find it very hard to quit. The author notes that long-term consumption of nicotine-containing products such as vapes leads to an increase in the risk of heart diseases and respiratory disorders. In addition, vaping devices also produce aerosols that can carry dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein, which are capable of damaging respiratory tissues in an individual when they breathe them (Irusa et al., 2020). Evidence has revealed correlations between vaping and respiratory symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath that have the potential to lead to permanent respiratory complications.
Snus
The snus is a popular smokeless form of tobacco that is used in some areas, such as Scandinavia, which may seem harmless but is still associated with a high number of health risks (Lunell et al., 2020). Scientific literature by Lunell et al. (2020) confirms that the usage of snus has been shown to have several negative health effects, especially on oral health. The placement of snus pouches between the upper lip and gum directly exposes oral mucosa to high concentration levels of harmful substances, including nicotine, carcinogens, and other toxic chemicals (Lunell et al., 2020). It is linked with oral cancer and other diseases, which may include gum disease and tooth loss after prolonged use of snus.
Further, while snus does not involve the smoking of tobacco, it poses a lot of health hazards to people (Fagerstrom, 2018). Fagerstrom’s (2018) study also shows that nicotine absorption through the oral mucosa, along with other chemicals, may cause cardiovascular complications, including tachycardia, hypertension, and so on. In addition to snus being associated with impotence, it has also been linked with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm births and low birth weight. This situation confirms the threat posed to the mother and fetus (Fagerstrom, 2018). In addition, snus contains addictive nicotine, which causes dependence and withdrawal syndromes, making it hard for the users to abstain or reduce the level of consumption, thereby increasing the risk of health benefits.
Juul
Juul is a brand of electronic cigarettes that has recently become popular among the younger generation (Jackler & Ramamurthi, 2019). This e-cigarette is a gadget that resembles the USB flash drive and has replaceable pods containing nicotine liquid. The rise of Juul, a famous brand of e-cigarettes that has gained popularity even among youth, has raised significant concern about its pernicious effects on health. Jackler & Ramamurthi (2019) indicate that vaping is bad for oral and general health. One of the main problems is its use in oral health.
Nevertheless, studies like Goldenson et al. (2020) have shown that aerosol from Juul contains toxins including nicotine, propylene glycol as well as other flavors that cause damage to oral tissues. The presence of nicotine in Juul pods causes vasoconstriction of vessels, which reduces the rate at which blood flows towards the gums and, hence, receding gums and the high risk of having periodontal diseases (Goldenson et al., 2020). Furthermore, heating the vape juice may irritate the oral mucosa, resulting in dry mouth, sore throat, and inflammation. Additionally, the flavors of Juul pods are generally sweet and fruity, which hide the bitterness of nicotine and increase its use among young people who might acquire oral diseases.
Besides the health that Juuling affects, general health is also a big issue because of the high danger involved (Goldenson et al., 2020). Jackler & Ramamurthi (2019) indicate that the aerosol from the Juul devices contains toxicants such as VOCs, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles, which attack the respiratory system and overall health of an individual. Breathing in these toxic fumes leads to respiratory symptoms like coughs, wheezes, and breathlessness, which are closely related to those found in tobacco smoking. Moreover, there are problems associated with the effects of vaping on lung capacity and respiratory disease formation, which include chronic bronchitis and asthma (Jackler & Ramamurthi, 2019). Nicotine concentration is also another issue of risk for addiction because Juul’s pods contain a high dosage of nicotine studies say Juuling may be more addictive than traditional cigarettes, especially among the younger generation, who are more vulnerable to nicotine dependence.
Hookah
Lately, hookah has become an internationally famous smoking technique that uses a water pipe to smoke flavored tobacco, especially among young adults (Qasim et al., 2019). While it is believed that hookah smoking is socially attractive, Qasim et al. (2019) research has revealed vast health risks associated with this practice. A significant issue relates to the impact it has on dental health. Studies have found that hookah smoking increases a wide variety of oral health issues, which include periodontal diseases, dental caries, and oral cancer (Qasim et al., 2019). Hookah smoking involves the consumption of moist and sugared tobacco. Under the influence of prolonged heat and smoke, it creates an ideal environment for developing bacteria and plague formation, leading to gum inflammation and periodontal disease (Qasim et al., 2019). Furthermore, the opportunity of sharing hookah mouthpieces brings a risk of spreading infectious diseases such as herpes and tuberculosis that also poses danger to oral health.
Aside from the oral health effects that hookah smoking has, there are also general health implications of this form of smoking and these are worthy of note (Rezk-Hanna & Benowitz, 2019). Rezk-Hanna & Benowitz (2019) shows that some toxic substances are present in hookah smoke such as carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds that can cause respiratory system damage to total health. Respiratory symptoms of hookah use have developed over long periods, which includes cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath as is the case with cigarette smokers (Rezk-Hanna & Benowitz, 2019). In addition, the deep inhalation of hookah smoking increases exposure to toxins even more than cigarette smoking, which further enhances the risk for respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Limitations and future research
Previous researches on e-cigarettes, snus, Juuls, hookah and vapes have provided very useful information regarding their potential health hazards but, several limitations remain which point towards the need for more research (O’Connor et al., 2022). Most studies have centered on short-term outcomes or some specific health effects, therefore limiting our knowledge of the long-term effects of regular consumption of these products. Longitudinal studies like O’Connor et al. (2022) with protracted follow-up periods are vital to unravel the aggregative impacts of nicotine exposure and other compounds on oral, respiratory, and cardiovascular wellbeing after some time. In addition, most of the current research has mainly been concerned with individual products, but not much attention has been paid to the potential interactions and synergistic effects that may be caused by various forms of nicotine-containing products.
In addition, the changing state of nicotine-containing products is a threat to researchers who need to keep abreast with the latest information and methods. According to Spahn et al. (2021), new formulations, flavors, and delivery systems in the market demand continuous research to ensure that their safety and health impacts can be well understood. Conducting research methodologies and measurements, comparability and synthesis of findings are not standardized across studies. Moreover, there is a lack of research on the most vulnerable groups, adolescents, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities whose health is likely to be impacted more than others (Spahn et al., 2021). Further studies are needed to fill these gaps by using strong study designs, studying representative populations, and developing uniform protocols that will ensure the reliability of the findings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the discussion pinpoints the serious health hazards related to using consumable products containing nicotine such as e-cigarettes, snus, Juuls, hookahs and vapes. Despite the fact that numerous research has revealed their adverse impact on oral and systemic wellness, limitations are apparent; for instance there is a deficiency of long term studies, standard methodologies, and interactions between various products. More research is also necessary to understand the long-term effects, as well as to establish an evidence-based intervention that would help to prevent these problems. The gaps in knowledge as well as the public health needs to be urgently addressed in order to protect it from the harmful effects of these nicotine products.
References
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