VAPING THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC

Stealing our children's health and our country's future.

- By Dr. Riya Gupta

As the world unites to observe World No Tobacco Day, a new and deeply concerning trend demands our urgent attention – vaping among adolescents.

Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes have rapidly gained popularity, especially among teens. Sleek in design and flavoured to appeal to younger users, these devices mask a dangerous truth: they still contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance with serious health consequences.

This World No Tobacco Day, we uncover the hidden dangers of vaping through an eyeopening story and key facts that everyone—especially teens and parents—should know. It is time to lift the veil on this modern tobacco menace and confront the reality behind the smoke.

From One Puff To Addiction

Meet Meera, a bright 16-year-old girl—top of her class and beloved by her teachers. Meera seemed to have everything going for her. One evening, at her friend's birthday party, she saw someone pull out a shiny pink pen, click it twice, and take a confident puff.

"This isn't smoking," her friend said. "It's vaping. It's safer and smells like candy. It makes us cool."

The room was filled with a sweet watermelon-mint aroma. Meera hesitated but took one puff, thinking, "Just one won't hurt."

She had no idea that single puff would spiral into a nightmare. She started feeling increasingly anxious, had sleepless nights, constipation, and headaches without her vape.

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling vapour containing nicotine and flavouring agents using a device called an e-cigarette (also known as electronic cigarettes, vape pens, or pen hookahs).

Reasons For Rising Use Among Teens

● Lack of awareness

● Peer pressure

● Desire to fit into the “cool” group

● Attractive packaging and flavours