The teen vaping epidemic

Pediatricians around the world warn that electronic cigarettes (vapes) are quickly becoming a new epidemic among teenagers, can be addictive and leave many health risks.

On June 15, scientists from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in the UK concluded that the risks of using e-cigarettes are no lower than those of traditional cigarettes. The group called on the government to take urgent action to protect young people and invest in research into the long-term effects of this habit.

The Study on Tobacco and Health (ASH) in May found that one in five 15-year-olds vape. The number of 11- to 17-year-olds who smoke has risen from 7.7% in 2022 to 11.6% this year.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), 40 children were admitted to hospital with disorders related to e-cigarettes in 2022, up from 11 cases the year before. The NHS warns that the habit can make children ill and even put their lives at risk.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 2.55 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes last year. Nearly 85% of them used flavored e-cigarettes, and about half used disposable e-cigarettes.

“The use of e-cigarettes among American teens is at a worrying level, posing serious health risks,” said Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products.

Late last year, the Vietnam Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health also announced the results of a 2022 study showing that 3.5% of 13-15 year old students smoke e-cigarettes, compared to 2.6% three years ago. E-cigarettes are not yet allowed to be imported, traded and circulated in the domestic market, however, buying, selling and advertising are common, especially on the internet. In addition, due to their diverse designs with many attractive shapes and flavors, these types of cigarettes attract young people, causing their use to increase rapidly.

A girl is smoking an electronic cigarette. Photo: Independent — A girl is smoking an electronic cigarette. Photo: *Independent*

The main ingredient in e-cigarettes is nicotine, which is highly addictive, similar to drugs. Nicotine affects brain development in adolescents and can even cause fetal damage. Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens, increasing the risk of heart failure, stroke, immunodeficiency, and reduced resistance. Overdose of nicotine can cause poisoning.

E-cigarettes contain aromatic flavors that can cause poisoning or irritation, leading to the use of other addictive substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Currently, selling e-cigarettes to people under 18 is illegal in many countries. However, social networks are still flooded with groups discussing tobacco flavors and sharing e-cigarette essential oils.

Dr Mike McKean, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has urged the government to take notice of the serious environmental impact of e-cigarettes. He has called for a complete ban on the products, saying they are becoming an “epidemic” among children and young people.

ASH recommends four highly effective interventions that could limit the impact of e-cigarettes: introducing specific taxes on e-cigarettes; banning brands from promoting images that appeal to young people; restoring funding for sustainable anti-smoking campaigns; and banning in-store e-cigarette advertising.

Earlier, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country would crack down on the "unacceptable and indiscriminate" marketing of e-cigarettes by many brands. The government is also considering banning the sale of "nicotine-free" e-cigarettes to under-18s.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has also repeatedly proposed banning all new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. At the same time, the agency has requested relevant ministries and sectors to strictly handle cases of buying, selling and trading e-cigarettes.

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