If you think that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, you are not alone. But the truth is that e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are not safe, especially for children and teenagers. In fact, the use of vapes among young people has surged dramatically in recent years, and this trend is causing concern among medical professionals, parents, and teachers.
In this article, we will discuss the risks of vape products, particularly disposable fruit-flavoured vapes, which are highly addictive and appealing to young people. We will also cover the dangers of plastic waste and the impact on the environment and wildlife.
The Risks of Vapes
Addiction
One of the most significant risks of vapes is addiction. Many vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to restlessness, stress, irritability, and poor concentration when nicotine levels start to fall. Nicotine addiction can also be associated with mental health problems such as depression. There is evidence that nicotine also affects the developing brain in adolescents.
Heart Trouble
Long-term use of vapes can cause worrying changes to the heart and blood vessels, impairing function and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association warns that these effects may build over time, while researchers at the University of Wisconsin found that regular vapers performed worse on exercise stress testing, which assesses the heart’s ability. People who vape and smoke may be at even greater risk.
DNA Damage
Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine in the US found that cells from the mouths of vapers and smokers had more than double the amount of DNA damage, associated with increased cancer risk, than non-users. Damage was also higher in vapers who used sweet and mint-flavoured vapes.
Virus Alert
A study from the University of California found that vaping leaves people at a higher risk of developing severe Covid symptoms. Young, healthy users who caught Covid had more lung inflammation, which could trigger cardiovascular complications.
Other Health Risks
Research has also found that vapers have a 19 per cent higher risk of asthma, and e-cigarette users have more lung inflammation than non-smokers and smokers. Vapers have also reported blurred vision, exhaustion, and constipation. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has received reported side-effects including hearing problems, coughing, hiccups, sore throats, croaky voice, and even vertigo. US scientists discovered vapers were at a higher risk of cavities, and many dermatologists claim the habit can damage skin and contribute to premature ageing.
Disposable Fruit-Flavoured Vapes
Disposable fruit-flavoured vapes are particularly dangerous because they are highly addictive and appealing to young people. They often come in pen-form, tend to be cheaper than rechargeable vapes, and are available in kid-friendly packaging and sweetie-like flavours, from Apple Peach and Cotton Candy Ice to Strawberry Kiwi.
The Risks to Children and Teenagers
It’s illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK to buy or be sold vaping products, but it’s alarmingly easy for young teens to get hold of them. Around 4.3million of us use e-cigarettes, often to help quit smoking, but children as young as six have tried vapes. Pressure group Action On Smoking & Health (ASH) says 15.8 per cent of 11 to 17-year-olds vaped in 2022, compared to 11.2 per cent the year before, and campaigner Sheila Duffy, said: “We’ve heard alarming evidence of primary-aged children having vapes.”
The Risks to Wildlife
Disposable fruit-flavoured vapes are also contributing to plastic waste and harming the environment and wildlife. Last year, 52.8 per cent of vapers used cheap throwaway products, up from 7.8 per cent in 2021. Almost 170 million pen-sized vapes, such as Elfbar, Geek Bar, Aroma King, and Elux, are now imported annually, costing as little as £4, and two are thrown away every second.
Pets and wild animals may eat empty vapes containing poisonous nicotine and lithium, and RSPCA officer Evie Button said: “Litter is one of the biggest hazards wildlife faces. Discarded vapes add to the risk.”
What Can Be Done?
Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien will launch a call for evidence before restricting access to highly addictive fruit-flavoured vapes for under-18s. Disposable fruit-flavoured vapes could be banned, and kid-friendly packaging and sweetie-like flavours could be restricted.
Parents and Teachers
Parents and teachers need to be vigilant and educate children about the dangers of vapes. They should also look out for signs that children are vaping, such as sweet fragrances or unusual behaviour.
Government and Manufacturers
The government and manufacturers need to take action to reduce the risks of vapes. The production of disposable fruit-flavoured vapes should be banned, and the sale of rechargeable vapes should be restricted to licensed outlets. Kid-friendly packaging and sweetie-like flavours should be prohibited, and clear warnings about the risks of vapes should be provided on all products.
Conclusion
Vapes are not safe, especially for children and teenagers. Disposable fruit-flavoured vapes are highly addictive and appealing to young people, and they are contributing to plastic waste and harming the environment and wildlife. The risks of vapes include addiction, heart trouble, DNA damage, virus alert, and other health risks. Parents and teachers need to be vigilant, and the government and manufacturers need to take action to reduce the risks of vapes.
FAQs
Are vapes less harmful than traditional cigarettes?
Vapes are recommended as a safer alternative to cigarettes for existing smokers, both by the NHS and ASH. However, they are not safe, especially for children and teenagers.What are the risks of disposable fruit-flavoured vapes?
Disposable fruit-flavoured vapes are highly addictive and appealing to young people, and they are contributing to plastic waste and harming the environment and wildlife.How can parents and teachers prevent children from vaping?
Parents and teachers need to be vigilant and educate children about the dangers of vapes. They should also look out for signs that children are vaping, such as sweet fragrances or unusual behaviour.What can the government and manufacturers do to reduce the risks of vapes?
The government and manufacturers need to take action to reduce the risks of vapes. The production of disposable fruit-flavoured vapes should be banned, and the sale of rechargeable vapes should be restricted to licensed outlets. Kid-friendly packaging and sweetie-like flavours should be prohibited, and clear warnings about the risks of vapes should be provided on all products.What are the risks of nicotine addiction?
Nicotine addiction can lead to restlessness, stress, irritability, and poor concentration when nicotine levels start to fall. Nicotine addiction can also be associated with mental health problems such as depression. There is evidence that nicotine also affects the developing brain in adolescents.