Up in Smoke: How E-Cigarettes Can Aggravate Asthma and Allergies

Electronic cigarettes (also called "e-cigs" or "vapes") have become alarmingly popular among young adults on college campuses, and because of their candy-like flavors available, may be appealing to children and teens as well. Because they are being marketed as a safer alternative to tobacco-containing cigarettes, some smokers are turning to "vapes" thinking they are just inhaling water vapors and need not worry about damaging the lungs. However, there are chemicals such as propylene glycol in the vapors, which has been linked to increased risk of developing asthma and allergies, according to a 2010 study from Harvard School of Public Health.

Other concerns include the possible inhalation of aerosolized chemicals from the battery once the cartridge is empty, with unknown possible carcinogenic effects. Several lung societies are advocating restriction or bans on e-cigarettes until more is known about their safety.

Bottom line: if you have asthma, don't inhale anything other than clean air and your prescribed medications!

Is Air Quality Affecting Your Quality of Life?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides a daily score for air quality, based on the amount of pollution in the air. The Air Quality Index range runs from 0 to 500: the higher the score, the higher the air pollution, posing an increased risk to public health -- especially to sensitive populations like asthmatics.

Watch Dr. Marks-Cogan on ABC-7 News explain how air quality affects those with asthma and what to do to prevent any asthma flare-ups.


If you would like to find out the Air Quality Index in your area, click here.