Increased e-cigarette usage, especially among youth, is a trend that poses real health risks. E-cigarettes are not a safer alternative to smoking for many reasons.
Although fewer people smoke or start to smoke, they are still using electronic nicotine delivery devices and other tobacco products. In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes (also known as vaping) among kids and youth has increased. This is a serious threat to public health.
Battery-operated devices can be in a variety of shapes and sizes. They may look like pens, cigarettes or sleek gadgets. The user inhales and exhales a vapor aerosol. Both users and non-users are at risk of health problems from this method.
There Are Many Downsides To This Product And Very Few Upsides.
Promoters of e-cigarettes claim that the devices help people stop smoking. It will take more research to prove that e-cigarettes are an effective method of quitting smoking. Researchers have found that vaping users are more inclined to smoke and continue to vape, a practice known as “dual usage.”
Vaping is perceived as less harmful by many people than smoking. Even though e-cigarette aerosol does not contain all of the harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke it is still dangerous. Here are a few reasons:
E-cigarettes are a common source of nicotine. This highly addictive substance can cause harm to the developing brains and fetuses of children, teens, and women who vape during pregnancy. Some types expose the user to more nicotine than cigarettes. It’s important to note that seeking out the highest quality vapes in NZ can mitigate some of these risks, as they often come with better controls and safety features.
E-cigarette vapor contains other potentially harmful substances, such as diacetyl, which is linked to serious lung diseases, cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals like nickel, tin and lead. Non-users are also at risk of secondhand exposure to these contaminants.
Even if it is not intended for use, the liquid in e-cigarettes may be harmful. The liquid used in e-cigarettes can be poisonous to children and adults who swallow, breathe or absorb it through their skin or eye.
E-cigarettes are linked to thousands cases of lung injuries, including some that result in death. The CDC warns people to avoid e-cigarettes, even though the cause has not been confirmed.
Vaping’s increasing popularity may “renormalize” smoking which has been declining for years. It would be disastrous to reverse the gains made in the global campaign to reduce smoking. Smoking remains the number one preventable cause for death in the United States, causing over 480,000 deaths each year.
Children And Youth Are At Risk
Tobacco companies are trying to get a younger generation hooked on nicotine and tobacco.
In 2019, they spent over $8.2 billion in aggressive marketing. This is more than $22 millions per day, or almost $1 million an hour.
In 2021, nearly 76% of students in middle and high schools or 3 out of every 4 children will be exposed to tobacco advertising. Around 74% of students have seen posts or content on social media related to e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes have become the most popular form of tobacco consumption among kids and teenagers. More than 2.1 million youth use e-cigarettes. The number of high school students using them will decline by 2022-2023.
The flavors are a big reason why many young people have tried e-cigarettes. Nearly 9/10 of youth who use e-cigarettes do so with flavored products.
Research and effort are needed to improve the quality of research
Include E-cigarettes As Part Of Smoke-free Laws.
E-cigarettes should be regulated and taxed in the same manner as other tobacco products.
These products are more appealing to children and young adults when they’re free of all flavors including menthol.
Apply the federal law raising the minimum age of purchase for tobacco products from 18 years to 21 years.
The AHA supports the Food and Drug Administration maintaining its regulatory authority over electronic cigarettes and other tobacco products.
What Is The Bottom Line?
E-cigarettes should be avoided by children, adolescents and pregnant women.
Before using e-cigarettes to help people quit smoking, or using tobacco products, they should first try proven tobacco cessation methods.
E-cigarettes are not for people who smoke or use tobacco.
E-cigarettes’ long-term effects on health are still not fully understood. Science clearly shows that vaping isn’t a healthy or safe alternative to smoking. We will continue to support the research on the health effects of vaping and other tobacco products that are aimed at attracting a younger generation.
