Vaping: Hidden Danger Exposed

 by Kavin Kajendran

What is vaping?

These are devices that use a battery-powered heating element to heat a liquid mixture known as e-liquid or vape juice. While vaping is often seen as an alternative to traditional smoking, its long-term health effects are still being studied. Concerns regarding vaping include nicotine addiction, potential lung damage, respiratory issues, and exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Why is the number of people using vapes increasing?

The increasing number of people using vapes can be attributes to several factors:

Health Benefits: Vaping is often seen as a potentially safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking. Some individuals believe that by avoiding the combustion of tobacco, vaping may reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

Marketing and Advertising: the marketing and advertising efforts of vape companies have played a significant role in attracting new users. They have positioned vaping as trendy, stylish and appealing to younger demographics, which has contributed to its popularity.

Flavour Options: Vaping offers a wider range of flavours, including fruit, dessert and beverage-inspired options. The availability of appealing flavours has attracted users who find the variety more enjoyable than the taste of traditional cigarettes.

Easy Accessibility: Vape products are readily available in many countries, both in physical stores and online. The ease of access and availability of various devices and e-liquid flavours have made it convenient for individuals to try vaping.

What are the dangers of vaping?

Addiction: Vaping exposes users to nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.

Nicotine addiction can lead to strokes and having to always depend on it on a daily basis.

Respiratory issues: Vaping has been linked to respiratory problems, including lung inflammation, bronchitis and asthma. Cases of severe lung injury, known as vaping-associated lung injury (VALI), have also been reported.

Cardiovascular risks: Vaping can have negative effects on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

Marketing to Teenagers

While it is illegal to sell vapes to under-18s, a number of teenagers across the country find the usage of vapes so common, it is easy to see at least one teenager vape in your area. One reason is because of the marketing strategies vaping companies use  flavourings and different colours of the vapes which look more engaging to teens. Also peer pressure can lead many young people into vaping because they may think vaping is right because their friends are doing it. The peer pressure can lead young people to think they are not brave and popular enough and force themselves into doing it. 

So as you can see that the number of people (especially children) vaping continues to grow which is why the UK Government is starting to add some methods to the law such as banning the vaping industry selling 'nicotine-free' vapes to under-18s.