Danger of Vapes

E-cigarettes, commonly referred to as vapes, are known as a substitute for tobacco cigarettes. They were produced to help smokers avoid overconsuming cigarettes, as vapes have lower cancerous risks than cigarettes. Although the manufacturing of vapes was free from malicious intentions, its growing popularity and availability seem to have created more problems than anticipated.

Vapes were first introduced in 2003 by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik, motivated by his father's passing from lung cancer. In 2010, they started to attract public attention, offering the opportunity for product development, including the launch of flavors. When vapes gained global attention and were viewed as a commodity, they progressively got cheaper and more accessible. This marketing transition eventually gained the attention of teenagers. Teenagers tend to bend towards more adult activities such as smoking to appear more mature when surrounded by their peers, so when presented with a more seemingly harmless alternative they will start indulging in that particular activity.

Unfortunately, it seems that the majority of teenagers are under the misconception that vapes are entirely devoid of harm, leading to a more substantial amount of minors vaping. This misconception leaves health organizations with the burden of introducing solutions involving the marketing distribution of vapes.

A few of these solutions include :

·                               Only authorizing prescription vapes (in certain countries)

·                               Banning flavors (in certain countries)

·                               Age restriction (-18)

·                               Marketing license and authorizations to sell

·                               Production restrictions (production inspection)

This, however, does not stop teenagers from finding ways to purchase or use vapes. Their solution is to procure unauthorized vapes from small or unlicensed vendors. Although this alternative does not seem as harmful as obtaining a regular vape, teenagers are putting their lives at a greater risk than smoking regular cigarettes or vapes (this is not encouraging smoking or vaping). Unregulated vapes pose a greater hazard due to factors such as vendors misinforming minors regarding its nicotine content, which frequently exceeds the legal limit of 2% (over 2% may cause nicotine poisoning),  defective manufacturing processes (resulting in mold, overheating, battery explosion, etc), and unauthorized chemicals (Diacetyl, Vitamin E acetate, heavy metals, opioids like fentanyl, pesticides, synthetic cannabinoids).

Teenagers need to avoid vapes as they are still in their developmental years and more susceptible to nicotine addiction and drug use if exposed to vapes. If a teenager overconsumes a vape they may develop neurodevelopmental problems, asthma, respiratory illnesses, etc!

This article is specifically illustrated to juvenile audiences to raise awareness.

PSA/ ANY FORMS OF SMOKING IS NEVER GOOD !

Chart of substances found in both cigarettes and vapes