Vaping has been associated with serious health risks such as EVALI, acute respiratory distress, cobalt lung, and even the rare possibility of pen explosions [1].
The first recipient of a double-lung transplant due to vaping, seventeen-year-old Daniel Ament, is now speaking out to caution others about the dangers of vaping [2].
Daniel’s Story
Daniel, a former A-student and aspiring Navy Seal from Michigan, found himself fighting for his life after falling severely ill from vaping.
“I spent 29 days on life support as a 16-year-old and I only had a 10 percent chance of survival,” he shared [2].
One of Daniel’s surgeons expressed shock at the condition of his lungs during a press conference.
“What I saw in his lungs is nothing I’ve ever seen before and I’ve been doing lung transplants for 20 years,” [2].
Having vaped nicotine and marijuana unknowingly causing harm to his body, Daniel survived and now shares his story as a warning to others [2].
What’s in a Vape Pen?
Vape pens contain e-liquid consisting mainly of propylene glycol, glycerin, and water. When heated, it produces an aerosol resembling cigarette smoke [3].
Due to the lack of federal oversight in the e-cigarette industry, various brands of e-liquid may contain toxic chemicals and lack accurate labeling and consistency [3].
Read: Every Time You Smoke, this is what You are Actually Consuming
The Risks of Vaping
Long-term studies on the health risks of vaping are limited, making it crucial to understand its negative effects.
“Most of what we know about e-cigarettes is from lab studies,” explains toxicologist, Maciej Goniewicz. “We don’t know the real health effects on users, especially long-term.” [3]
The CDC is investigating severe lung disease cases in e-cigarette users, possibly due to chemical irritation or immune reactions to e-liquid chemicals [4, 5].
Vaping poses risks like addiction from nicotine, potential carcinogenic substances, and links to EVALI from Vitamin E acetate [5].
Making a Difference
Despite his dreams being crushed, Daniel’s message is resonating with peers like Chloe and Gisele, deterring them from vaping.
“Seeing someone close to me, it really just told me not to do it – like stay away,” expressed Chloe.
“I thought vaping was a healthy alternative to cigarettes,” realized Gisele. “But now I know it’s close to or even more dangerous.” [2]
Daniel’s non-profit organization, Fight 4 Wellness, aims to educate on substance abuse dangers, continuing his impactful mission [2].
This article was originally published February 12, 2020
Read More:
Shocking Video Showing Lungs of 52-Year-Old Chain Smoker. ‘The Best Anti-Smoking Ad Ever’
Can You Get Lung Cancer Without Smoking? This Healthy 28-Year Old Did
