Smoking and Vaping

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms by which nicotine addiction and toxic compounds in cigarette smoke are pathologic are known and they are well-studied. The result of numerous campaigns in the last 50 years has led to a steady reduction of cigarette smoking among adults and youth. However, in recent years a new addiction has emerged. It is electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) or e-cigarettes. The behavior is known as vaping. This new nicotine addiction is increasingly taken up by youth and young adults resulting in a new habit and frequently advancing to regular cigarette use.