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US Navy Bans Vaping On Ships (go.com)
The U.S. Navy announced today that it will no longer allow sailors to use electronic cigarettes on ships, following several reports of explosives and injuries. ABC News reports: Naval commanders said in a statement Friday that the temporary electronic cigarette policy aims to protect sailors and the fleet. It starts next month. Officials cited overheated batteries in vaping equipment as the problem. Explosions have led to fires, first-degree burns and facial disfigurement. During a recent eight-month stretch, 12 incidents put sailors out of work for a combined 77 days. Injuries also restricted some to light duty for a total of five months.
It's a dangerous and addictive habit that does, indeed, produce mild stimulation. People who are nervous or depressed have long reported positive, self-medicating effects with it.
And yet, the industry continues to be outpaced by its addicts, asserting endless false claims about safety.
Flavorings often do horrible things to the lungs, sinuses, and nose - a great example, diacetyl causes "popcorn lung". Diacetyl is found in a lot of foods naturally - its what gives butter its flavor, after all. It's a natural product of fermentation, and shows up in everything from buttermilk to chardonnay.
Popcorn lung is a great example of what vaping can do - take a natural flavor, heat it with water to form steam, inhale, and cause permanent lung damage only treatable by organ transplant.
But, much like smoking was a few decades ago, it's users refuse to believe their addiction could possibly be harmful to themselves or others.
-- Sometimes you have to turn the lights off in order to see.