THE VAPING EPIDEMIC AMONG ADOLESCENTS Unveiling the Concerns

In recent times, an alarming surge in the use of vaping products among adolescents has become a cause for concern. Factors such as lack of awareness, the allure of being part of the ‘cool’ crowd, and the visual appeal of packaging have collectively contributed to this unsettling trend

- DR RIYA GUPTA

It is imperative to not only raise awareness about the emerging trend of ‘vaping’ — the act of inhaling and exhaling vaporized nicotine and flavouring substances through devices known as e-cigarettes — but also to underscore its detrimental effects and provide guidance on quitting this habit.

1 How did Vaping develop? Tobacco use has a history of about 8,000 years. Tobacco gained widespread popularity in Europe and China after it was claimed to have medicinal properties. Initially, in India, it was used as a product to be smoked (hookah), and then gradually in smokeless forms like paan, khaini.

To create a more accessible form of tobacco, cigarettes were developed. But slowly the ill effects of tobacco use on human health were recognized which led to widespread campaigns against cigarette smoking. Cigarettes were thought to be harmful because of the incomplete combustion of cigarette products at the cigarette bud. To overcome this, HTP’s (Heated Tobacco Products), e-cigarettes were developed.

The tobacco industry then developed e-cigarettes (the first e-cigarette was developed in China in 2003). These e-cigarettes are marketed as “Harm Reduction Products” (not Risk-Free products). The main component of e-cigarettes is e-liquid which contains nicotine.

2 Why is Nicotine Addictive?