High-school study shows vapes are no less risky than cigarettes

In a survey conducted in 52 high schools across South Africa 17,82% of the learners between Grades 8 and 12 reported currently using vaping products, with 47% vaping within the first hour of waking, suggesting high nicotine addiction. In addition to this, 36,7% reported having tried vaping before.

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As with nicotine in conventional cigarettes, research has shown that the substance in vapes or e-cigarettes can cause severe impairment to the growing teenage brain, leading to cognitive difficulties, mental-health issues including depression and anxiety, and increased risk of violent behaviour, other substance use and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

According to the study at least a quarter of South African Grade 12 learners admit to vaping regularly, both as a social activity and stress-coping mechanism, and usage filters down through all high school grades to primary-school learners.

While teenagers are well-attuned to the health and addiction risks of conventional cigarettes, the real risks of vaping are obscured by funky flavours and packaging, aggressive youth targeting in its marketing and misconceptions about safety, a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, Dr Nokuthula Mdaka, said.

Cloud of misinformation

“The brain is still developing up to the age of about 25,” she pointed out.

“The adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to nicotine, which not only ‘primes’ the brain for addiction, but also harms the areas of the brain involved in attention and learning, mood regulation and impulse control.

“Young people, and adults as well, have the misconception that vaping is less harmful than tobacco use and underestimate the risks, to the extent that parents even buy vaping devices for their children.”