UCT recently reported that vaping by young South Africans is on the rise. The University of Cape Town Lung Institute found close to 7 000 local learners vape, starting as early as grade 9. E-cigarettes can contain nicotine, which is known to impact adolescent brain development and serve as a gateway drug to more “severe” substances.
The tobacco industry’s uses tactics to “ensnare” youth early for a “lifetime of profit”, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). E-cigarettes form a big part of these measures and have long-term implications on young people’s health. The WHO reported that, globally, children are using e-cigarettes far more than adults, with 37 million young people (aged 13-15) estimated to use tobacco worldwide.
Dr Yusrah Parker, Medical Doctor at Sanlam, says vaping means inhaling a vapour via an electronic cigarette. The liquid can contain nicotine, a marijuana distillate or oil. The long-term impacts of vaping are still being determined; however, nicotine is linked to cancer, attention and mood disorders, and fertility issues.
“Starting vaping early can lead to a lifetime of addiction to nicotine and other substances. Second-hand exposure by bystanders is also an often-overlooked complication, as the exhaled aerosol clouds have cancer-linked chemicals, which put other people at risk.” Long-term health consequences of vaping Irreversible lung damage: Vaping can lead to acute respiratory failure, “popcorn lung”, and cancer.
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