Electronic cigarettes - an 'epidemic' among young people

Pediatricians around the world warn that electronic cigarettes (vapes) are rapidly 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) UK in May found that one in five 15-year-olds vapes. 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 previous year. The NHS warns that the habit can make children ill and even endanger their lives.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 2.55 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2022. Nearly 85% of them used flavored e-cigarettes, and about 50% used disposable e-cigarettes.

"The use of e-cigarettes among American youth 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 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. Designed in a variety of attractive shapes and flavors, these types of cigarettes attract young people, and the usage rate is increasing 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, the sale of e-cigarettes to people under 18 is illegal in many countries. However, social networks still have many groups discussing tobacco flavors and sharing e-cigarette essential oils.

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

ASH recommends four interventions to limit the impact of e-cigarettes. These include taxing e-cigarettes; prohibiting brands from promoting images that appeal to young people; funding anti-smoking campaigns; and banning in-store advertising of e-cigarettes.

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said the country will crack down on “unacceptable” marketing of e-cigarettes by brands. The government is also considering banning the sale of “nicotine-free” e-cigarettes to under-18s.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health also proposed banning all new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products; and strictly handling cases of buying, selling and trading e-cigarettes.

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