Vaping as opposed to cigarettes?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 30, 2014

Just came across an article -- drat, can't find link -- patient presented with pulmonary fungal infection but no clear method of exposure. Investigation revealed it was eCig. So, just like hookahs - unless they are cleaned & maintained, they are a reservoir for nasties.

RunBabyRN · Jun 30, 2014

Just came across an article -- drat, can't find link -- patient presented with pulmonary fungal infection but no clear method of exposure. Investigation revealed it was eCig. So, just like hookahs - unless they are cleaned & maintained, they are a reservoir for nasties.

We had one set off a smoke alarm when someone was vaping in the public bathroom one evening. Good fun!

I can only imagine what a reservoir they can be!

RunBabyRN · Jun 30, 2014

Why.....in heavens name was she vaping ON THE UNIT?????

I wondered the same thing reading that. HUH???

panic36 · Jun 30, 2014

I did not say that this was MY advice/opinion, I said it was the opinion of the hospital I work for.

I apologize it was late, and I didn't mean to come off the way that I did. When I read your post for some reason when you added the 'Also' I had felt you were adding your personal opinion to the mix after you expressed your hospitals/works opinion.

The initial reasoning behind my post was to create awareness that is a lot of bad information spreading out there thare are claiming ecigs are bad with no actual evidence to support the claims being made. One of the big issues that people are scared that ecigs could possible create is the chance of bringing a whole new crowd to nicotine addiction by the appeal and trend of utilizing the product. With new vape shots opening up, a 'coolness' factor has been created luring children and younger age adults to use the product, and I agree this is bad.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

In many ways, it's WORSE than traditional cigarettes. Currently no FDA regs in place, and people can stuff whatever they'd like into those electronic sticks. And they do. Narcs being an increasingly-popular version....without the tell-tale "smoke" associated with pot, it can be used with low probability of detection, right in the middle of stadium bleachers. And they do

Beyond that, I recall the recently publicized case of a small child who nearly died from the nicotine poisoning that resulted from her (his? I think it was a her...) overdose. The kid DRANK the liquid in the cartridge. Why? Those stupid things come in FLAVORS: chocolate, strawberry, pretty pink ones for the little girls to choose; it's a fad for high school girls who think it's "cute". No age minimum, with no legal oversight....so....it's a disaster, IMHO.

panic36 · Jun 30, 2014

In many ways, it's WORSE than traditional cigarettes. Currently no FDA regs in place, and people can stuff whatever they'd like into those electronic sticks. And they do. Narcs being an increasingly-popular version....without the tell-tale "smoke" associated with pot, it can be used with low probability of detection, right in the middle of stadium bleachers. And they do
Beyond that, I recall the recently publicized case of a small child who nearly died from the nicotine poisoning that resulted from her (his? I think it was a her...) overdose. The kid DRANK the liquid in the cartridge. Why? Those stupid things come in FLAVORS: chocolate, strawberry, pretty pink ones for the little girls to choose; it's a fad for high school girls who think it's "cute". No age minimum, with no legal oversight....so....it's a disaster, IMHO.

honestly i couldn't disagree more. Stating its bad because there is no FDA oversight is a bad basis of labeling it worse than traditional cigarettes.

Second im im not even going to get into the marijuana debate. But the entire scare how bad it is is changing and people are starting to think for themselves than blindly accept that it's bad simply because it's bad.

I'm not sure where you live but here the law pretty much states no nicotine products can be sold to minors and you have to be 18 to even enter a vape or smoke shop here.

Lastly a child drank something and almost died ? Lets ban pretty much every household chemical because that can happen. Also should look at possible child neglect.

Im not claiming ecigs are good just that your argument is pretty flawed and not supported by any actual evidence.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jun 30, 2014

There was a recent article about "alternative" substances being liquified and "vaped" in the devices. Specifically crushed narcotics mixed with various liquids or the flavor only (non-nicotine) vials. Which initiated the usage ban in various healthcare facilities. If I recall correctly, certain patients were developing an altered mental status/symptoms of intoxication and subsequent positive tox screens which initiated the investigation into exactly what they were vaporizing. I will see if I can find the article.

Not much different than desperate addicts modifying other objects to ingest/inhale/inject the desired narcotics.

IMHO the thought process of danger related no FDA oversight is similar to concerns regarding non-regulated supplements. No standards followed in preparation. Guesses as to exact concentrations of nicotine and dilutants due to minimal if any QA/QC testing.

If looking as a substitute for cigar/cigarette smoking, it's not much different than having no idea on additives to cigarettes (growing & preparations vary in lots therefore altering active ingredient combinations) but I think inhaling vapors is likely safer than inhaling smoke and the known carcinogens within smoke. If an adult chooses to partake in smoking vapors in lieu of cigarettes (or just because they so desire) the onus is on them to make an educated choice. Consult their HCP if they have health concerns.

I do not think smoking vapors should occur in healthcare settings or even restaurants/malls/theaters other closed areas. Using outside or more open areas, to me, is less bothersome than cigarette/cigar/pipe smoke. I find the vapors less "toxic" than smoke, but they do affect me (as someone with a sensitive respiratory tract) if at the next table. My personal solution is to either go out early or ask to be moved. In a hospital or outpatient facility there is less option to be moved.

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

Esme, I was pretty shocked seeing it! As a student, however, I didn't say anything. Not just in the back, but right in the hallways. Yikes!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

honestly i couldn't disagree more. Stating its bad because there is no FDA oversight is a bad basis of labeling it worse than traditional cigarettes.

I didn't say it was bad BECAUSE there is no FDA oversight. I said it was bad because currently there is NO regulation in place dictating the consumer as to WHAT is IN the thing they are buying. You didn't understand what I was saying, so I'll word it differently: by having no regulations in place warning the consumer of what IS IN what they are buying, they could be getting liquified asbestos and lead shavings with coconut flavoring, and have it be labeled "safe alternative to cigarettes". Do you now see the problem?

Second im im not even going to get into the marijuana debate. But the entire scare how bad it is is changing and people are starting to think for themselves than blindly accept that it's bad simply because it's bad.

Not sure what you actually said here, as it wasn't written very well, but....I wasn't inviting debate on marijuana use, from you or anyone else. I was pointing out that these electronic cigarettes CAN and ARE used for more than nicotine. To use your term, "blindly" ignoring this fact is dangerous to all.

I'm not sure where you live but here the law pretty much states no nicotine products can be sold to minors and you have to be 18 to even enter a vape or smoke shop here.

And....if "everyone" lived where you did, wouldn't the world be a fine place? Unfortunately, minors can and do purchase these items, as has been demonstrated innumerable times. And it's not even the nicotine versions that are the biggest problems, it's the fact that the cartridges can so easily be changed out to replace the intended substance with something else even more dangerous.

Lastly a child drank something and almost died ? Lets ban pretty much every household chemical because that can happen. Also should look at possible child neglect.

Seriously, this is your counter to what I posted?

Im not claiming ecigs are good just that your argument is pretty flawed and not supported by any actual evidence.

No, my "argument" is not flawed, the most basic of research into this subject will verify exactly what I have stated. What evidence are you looking for? The police and ambulance reports? The ER intake notes? The simple observations of any non-blind human who flips on a YouTube "how to" video instructing us in the art of replacing the harmless water-vapor cartridges with narcotics?

I see you are a PRE-nursing student. Fair warning: if you continue on to an RN nursing program, you will be required to submit quite a lot of papers with much better 'opposing positions' than this one.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

IMHO the thought process of danger related no FDA oversight is similar to concerns regarding non-regulated supplements. No standards followed in preparation. Guesses as to exact concentrations of nicotine and dilutants due to minimal if any QA/QC testing.
....

Ah, thank you....someone who can read :)

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2014

So.... For what it's worth, I am seeing other nurses are on the fence about this too. I have looked at the "literature", of which there is little. That is what I will tell any patients that ask. We just don't know enough yet. Thanks for the advice. :)

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 1, 2014

I think it is free of most of the other carcinogens that are in tobacco cigarettes. My guy quit cigs four months ago and only vapes and I won't complain about it because I hate smoking in the house. I too would like to see more research though.