The expert warned about the dangers of vaping for pets

The widespread opinion about the safety of vapes is erroneous — their vapors contain toxic substances that are particularly dangerous for animals. Kirill Masliev, Candidate of Medical Sciences, member of the State Council Commission on Active Long-term Life, Head of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Rudn University, founder of the Heroes Charitable Foundation, told Izvestia on July 2 about the serious threat posed by electronic cigarettes for pets.

"When vaping liquids are heated, an aerosol containing ketene, benzene, alkenes and formaldehyde is formed. Vitamin E acetate is particularly dangerous, which, upon thermal decomposition, releases ketene gas with a pronounced toxic effect on lung tissue," said Masliev.

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The expert emphasizes that glycerin and propylene glycol in liquids turn into carcinogenic formaldehyde when heated. The respiratory system of pets is much more sensitive to toxic fumes than the human one. Even a small amount of harmful substances can cause acute irritation of the mucous membranes, inflammation of the lung tissue, edema and impaired gas exchange in pets. The specialist calls cats, dogs, rodents and birds the most vulnerable.

"Cats are particularly at risk, as they are generally prone to respiratory diseases. For primates whose physiology is close to that of humans, the consequences will be similar, but they will develop faster due to the smaller size of the lungs," the expert warned.

The expert also debunked the myth of the possibility of safe smoking in enclosed spaces with ventilation. According to him, harmful particles settle on surfaces and continue to circulate in the air. Even careful ventilation does not guarantee the complete elimination of danger, which also harms pets.

Masliev calls the complete rejection of the use of vapes and other smoking devices at home the only effective way to protect pets. A responsible owner should understand that his habit can cost the health or even life of a pet, the expert summarizes.

On June 30, Izvestia reported that in the Crimean safari park "Taigan" a girl gave an orangutan an electronic cigarette to try "following the example" of other people. She noted that she has a negative attitude towards vaping and did so because of the actions of other vacationers in the park.