Are youth vaping rates rising?

WHILE a recent study by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has sounded the alarm about the alarming levels of vape usage among teens, the industry has sought to reassure that they are taking the matter seriously, but are also concerned how vaping is viewed in the Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

The Health Department has previously said that, due to tobacco use remaining one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease worldwide, “the government has proposed legislation on Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems as part of its efforts to enforce strong tobacco control policies in South Africa”.

The department explained that the Bill aims not only to protect current and future generations from the harms of tobacco but also to promote health equity and sustainable development.

“Therefore, the department calls upon all sectors, including health professionals, educators, policymakers, and communities, to unite in support of effective tobacco control.”

Recently, vaping has been in the spotlight, after a UCT study sounded the alarm on vaping rates among South African teens, urging the swift enactment of the Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill to curb what they warn could become a full-blown national epidemic.

Affinity Health said that the difference is that cigarettes burn tobacco and release over 7,000 chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and arsenic, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic.

In contrast, vapes heat a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) that often contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings, and other chemicals.

The study found that nearly 17% of surveyed learners currently use vapes: among them, 38.3% vape daily, over 50% of current users vape more than four days per week, and 88% of current vapers reported using products containing nicotine.

The study surveyed 25,000 pupils across 52 fee-paying high schools nationwide to assess the prevalence, drivers, and addictive behaviours linked to vaping among teenagers.

The researchers uncovered startling trends using a mixed-methods approach that combined quantitative and qualitative data.