E-cigarettes are being touted as a healthier alternative to traditional smoking, primarily due to the lack of smoke and tar that is associated with their use.E-cigarettes, also known as vapes,, use vapor technology, thereby creating a safer method of inhalation for tobacco users.Lately, however, reports have been surfacing suggesting there may be a link between the use of e-cigarettes and the presence of mold and other bacteria in a user’s lungs.E-cigarette liquid is comprised of these main ingredients: water, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin, and nicotine.E-liquids also often contain flavoring to enhance the experience of inhaling the smoke-like vapor.These ingredients in and of themselves do not put a user at risk for coming into contact with bacteria and mold, so why are some now claiming that the use of e-cigarettes do just that?Likely, the cause of these cases does have something to do with the use of e-cigarettes but the e-liquid is not the guilty culprit.Hygiene, or rather lack thereof, is undoubtedly the most probable cause of these cases of mold.

An informal study at Tulsa University recently showed that in a small sample of currently used e-cigarette devices, two-thirds of the samples detected the presence of mold, yeast and/or other kinds of bacteria.While the study was too small to be statistically valid, the presence of the bacteria strains is certainly a cause for concern.Dr. Mohammed Fakhry of Tulsa University found the samples he tested “were really full of a good number of bacteria species and also some fungi.” His suggestion is to put more emphasis on cleaning, he says his results are “a good reminder that you have to clean them out because there is high numbers [of bacteria], and even regular non-pathogenic bacteria in large numbers… you don’t know what they can do.” Another study in San Diego focused on bacteria, and how they interact with the use of e-cigarettes.Dr. Laura Crotty Alexander of the University of California San Diego and the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, found in her study that the use of e-cigarettes could increase the aggressiveness of the bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus also known as MRSA.

MRSA is most commonly seen as a skin infection.While the use of vapes does not introduce the bacteria in your system, it can make it more virulent.Dr. Crotty Alexander suggested the rise in pH levels could be a contributing factor.When you inhale an e-cigarette vapor there is an increase in pH levels.This makes the environment in which bacteria can exist more alkalotic, stressing the cells and encouraging them to fight off the antimicrobial peptides that the body produces to kill them.german e cigarette studyThe important thing to remember is while inhaling vapor can create an environment that encourages stronger bacteria, it can only do so if the bacteria are already present.ecigarette pour femmeIn addition, while the use of e-cigarettes can strengthen these bacteria, the use of regular tobacco smoke can increase MRSA’s virulence even more.e cigarette goose creek sc

Regular tobacco smoke, according to Dr. Crotty Alexander, induces environmental changes that are 10-fold greater for the growth of bacteria than e-cigarette vapor.E-cigarettes continue to be a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, as long as proper hygiene is in place to combat mold and bacteria.In addition to regular cleaning, it is also recommended that users do not get in the habit of sharing their device with others, which increases the likelihood of different bacteria spreading.Whether you share or not, a proper cleaning ritual should be established.While many distributors give instruction on cleaning when an e-cigarette device is sold, often cleaning sessions are too few and far between.In addition, most users carry their e-cigarette devices around in their pockets and purses, where they can easily come into contact with a host of bacteria that can put you at risk, especially when proper and regular cleaning is not in place.Manufacturers and many users also suggest cleaning your device often, recommending a good cleansing whenever you change or refill the vapor tank where the e-liquid is stored.

When cleaning you should completely disassemble your e-cigarette device, and lay out all the pieces on a clean cloth or paper towel.Regular store bought rubbing alcohol is the most effective medium for cleaning your device.Slightly dampen a q-tip or a paper towel with a small amount of alcohol and apply to areas in need of cleaning.Make sure to wipe out the mouthpiece thoroughly as this is the most likely passage way of any mold or bacteria.Next, clean the threads connecting the mouthpiece, tank and atomizer.If you are refilling your tank and not just replacing it, you’ll want to be careful to clean it thoroughly before inserting new e-liquid.You can use hot water to flush out the tank and rinse out the wick.Moisture can build up inside the tank, especially after multiple fills, not cleaning after every refill can increase the likelihood of a bacteria or mold problem arising.Make sure the wick and the tank are completely dry before you fill it with the e-liquid of your choice.While you are cleaning you should also make sure to clean the connection points for your battery.

If this part is not cleaned properly the device may not take a full charge and inhibit the functionality and the enjoy-ability of the e-cigarette experience.If this all seems a little bit daunting, do not fear.A little bit of care is a small price to pay for the benefits that e-cigarettes offer.Most stores will walk through the cleaning process with you.Videos on how to clean your vape are also available online to help you master all the important steps.Regular cleaning should keep the bacteria and mold at bay and keep your vape working smoothly.With proper maintenance and care, e-cigarettes will remain the safer alternative for the use of tobacco, eliminating than the smoke and tar you get with traditional cigarette smoke.Electronic cigarettes are 95 percent less harmful than conventional cigarettes and could help smokers quit tobacco, a UK government study recently concluded, wading into a long-running debate.While much research has been done on conventional cigarettes, data on e-cigs is much more sparse.

This is because e-cigs were only invented in 2003 by a Chinese pharmacist, while tobacco has been around for centuries.Because of e-cigarettes’ relative newness, their potential risks or benefits are not well-understood.There aren’t decades-long epidemiological data for researchers to analyze.Food and Drug Administration says it’s unclear whether e-cig users are inhaling potentially harmful chemicals.The California Department of Health earlier this year declared them a public health threat.The general consensus is that e-cigs are less harmful than conventional cigarettes, mainly because there is no smoke or burning involved.“They’re simpler than cigarettes,” Jonathan Foulds, PhD, professor of public health sciences and psychiatry at Penn State University’s College of Medicine and Cancer Institute, tells Yahoo Health.“You burn it, cigarettes creates 7,000 different chemicals into your body.But with e-cigarettes, there’s no combustion.The good news is that you’re inhaling a vapor that’s got four to five things as opposed to 7,000 things.”But not all e-cigs are created equal.

There are hundreds of brands with simple products resembling conventional tobacco cigarettes to more high-end, sophisticated vape pens.The FDA has found inconsistencies with some e-cigs containing nicotine when they’re marketed as free of the substance, not to mention varying levels of quality.At this point, e-cigarettes are not regulated by the FDA, although the agency seeks to change that soon.Not all e-cigarettes contain nicotine.And some of the products let users control the amount and potency of the liquid solution.What’s inside the liquid solution vary by brand and flavors, such as butter popcorn and cookies and cream, which carry different chemical agents.Other e-cigs are more straightforward, with about five ingredients.“The question is: What’s the effect on the body of the four to five things?” says Foulds.The problem remains: lack of data.“There’ve been few studies that investigated the extent of biological effects,” says Jake McDonald, PhD, director of Environmental Respiratory Health Program and the Chemistry and Inhalation Exposure Program at Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute in New Mexico.So here’s what we know so far about how e-cigarettes may affect your body:Users have complained of cotton mouth, scratchy throat, and coughing.

It’s unclear why this happens to some people other than due to hydration issues.A review of existing medical research on e-cigarettes finds that absorption of nicotine is most likely to happen in the lining inside the mouth or the upper airways.Related: Smoking in US Declines to All-Time LowOne of the main ingredients used in e-cig liquid solutions is propylene glycol (which is used as fog in concerts and theater) and glycerin (which is proven safe in foods).“We’re putting things in e-cigs proven safe in foods, but it’s not the same as putting it into a vapor and inhaling it,” Foulds explains.“A Mars bar is safe to eat, but I wouldn’t want to inhale it.If something is safe as a food, it’s not highly harmful, but we don’t know what happens when you inhale it.”There are concerns that nanoparticles from the vapor can be embedded in the lungs, causing inflammation and leaving the lungs vulnerable to infection.A study published in the journal PLOS this year found that the vapors damage the epithelial cells in the airways, leaving them vulnerable to infection.“E-liquids without nicotine and with nicotine inhibit the lungs’ innate immunity, which helps it defend itself against infections,” study author, Qun Wu, MD, Ph.D, told Yahoo Health earlier this year.The American Lung Association has called for more governmental oversight because “the reality is that without FDA regulation and review, we don’t know what is in e-cigarettes.”HeartThe few studies that looked at e-cigarettes’ cardiovascular effects find that the ones containing nicotine raise heart rate and blood pressure.

This is from the nicotine kick, which acts as a stimulant and prompts an adrenaline rush in the body.But studies have also found that e-cigarettes didn’t cause the type of disruptions in the body seen with tobacco smoking.One small European study compared the heart functions of 20 young tobacco smokers versus 22 e-cigarette users seven minutes after using their products.The study conducted in Greece found none of the heart problems associated with tobacco cigarettes among e-cigarette users.Its lead researcher, Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, said in a statement: “This is an indication that although nicotine was present in the liquid used (11mg/ml), it is absorbed at a lower rate compared to regular cigarette smoking.”The American Heart Association says there needs to be more research into this topic and called for rigorous examination of the “long-term impact of this new technology on public health, cardiovascular disease and stroke.”Related: Are Former Smokers ‘Safe’ After 15 Years?BrainWhen nicotine enters the brain, it releases a feeling of pleasure as dopamine levels increase.Nicotine, while not considered a carcinogen, is still addictive and may “prime the brain to become addicted to other substances,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.One of the biggest concerns by anti-tobacco advocates is that e-cigarettes will get users hooked on nicotine and will serve as a gateway to tobacco use.Your BabyNicotine can be detrimental to your baby if you’re pregnant.