Vaping has become a growing concern in the workplace, with nearly 11 million adult Americans using vaping products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While e-cigarettes are considered by many to be relatively harmless, more socially acceptable than smoking, and a useful smoking cessation tool, nicotine can be addictive and dangerous, no matter how it is delivered. That’s why now is the time to explore more about vaping, why vaping is harmful and how your workplace can act.
What is an electronic cigarette?
Vaping devices are battery-powered devices that use liquid-filled cartridges that typically contain nicotine, flavorings and chemicals. This liquid is heated into a vapor, which is then inhaled. Electronic cigarette devices include; electronic cigarettes, cartridges, vape mods and vape pens, etc.
How do e-cigarettes work?
The expansion activates the heating device, which evaporates the liquid in the cartridge. The user inhales the resulting vapor. A new generation of vaping devices provides higher power for atomizers, delivering nicotine to users faster and more efficiently.
Are e-cigarettes safer than smoking?
Employees who want to quit smoking often turn to electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, which they sometimes perceive as less harmful and more socially acceptable. Many people choose vaping as a way to transition to non-smokers.Although e-cigarettes have been advertised as an aid to help people quit smoking, Recent research shows E-cigarette users had more than twice the level of nicotine dependence compared with traditional smokers.
Among users of both products, nicotine dependence was higher with e-cigarettes than with conventional cigarettes. These findings suggest that e-cigarettes may have a higher addictive potential than combustible cigarettes. Many employees choose to vape during get off work hours and after hours, a combination that puts them at greater risk for health problems. Despite the hype, e-cigarettes are unlikely to help people quit smoking.
Vape pens contain nicotine, sometimes higher than cigarettes. Dangerous in all its forms, nicotine is a highly addictive poison that raises blood pressure and stimulates adrenaline, which increases heart rate and the chance of a heart attack.E-cigarette use also increases, new data from Johns Hopkins suggests Lung disease and asthma. Employees who use e-cigarettes are exposing themselves to unknown chemicals that are not fully understood and may not be safe.
Electronic cigarettes are growing in popularity
E-cigarettes are most popular with young employees. According to a 2018 Gallup poll, 20 percent of Americans ages 18 to 29 use vaping products, while 16 percent of Americans ages 30 to 64 use vaping products, and those 65 and older less than 0.5%. Electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more popular. The global e-cigarette market is valued at USD 18.13 billion in 2021 and is expected to top the list $182.84 billion by 2030. Many analysts predict that e-cigarettes and vaping will be the next nicotine epidemic.
E-cigarettes are a problem in the workplace
Employers should be concerned about the growing vaping trend and its impact on employee health, workplace and medical benefit costs. E-cigarettes reduce the overall productivity and morale of an organization. For example, vapers were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as non-vapers. Their condition may be more challenging because the brain’s coping mechanisms that buffer depressive symptoms are disrupted. Higher rates of nicotine use have also been linked to conditions such as ADHD. Productivity drops when vaping or vaping is interrupted. Those who use e-cigarettes are more likely to miss work due to health problems and illnesses.
Because e-cigarettes are sometimes considered more socially acceptable, it is not uncommon for employees to use e-cigarettes at work. When they did, 63% of colleagues said they were annoyed or annoyed by continued e-cigarette use. Vaping at work reduces overall morale and job satisfaction.
How can my workplace act?
The evidence is clear – vaping is a growing trend that should be of concern to employers. Taking action quickly is good for everyone in the workplace. Here are four steps employers can take today to help employees who use e-cigarettes find ways to quit.
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Educate your employees. Many myths prevail that e-cigarettes are safe and lead to better health and less nicotine use. Share the dangers of vaping with your team so they don’t get fooled by misinformation.
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Make sure you offer a smoking cessation program through a benefit plan that includes e-cigarettes. Many programs focus only on tobacco users.
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Look for a program that offers a personalized approach with important features such as one-on-one coaching, engaging content, and resources to build healthier habits. Individuals are 3.6 times more likely to successfully quit smoking in the presence of a trained coach.
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Ask your provider about clinical evidence that their plan works. A good provider will have solid data and quantifiable results backed by clinical documentation to back up the claim.
Helping your employees quit vaping can improve workplace productivity and reduce the overall impact on your business bottom line. The sooner you implement an effective smoking cessation program, the better it will be for your employees and your organization.
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