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30 May 2024
This World No Tobacco Day shines a spotlight on the tobacco industry’s tactics to ‘ensnare’ youth early for a ‘lifetime of profit’, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). E-cigarettes form a big part of these measures and have long-term implications for young people’s health.
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 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.”
The Heart & Stroke Foundation South Africa also referenced a recent study showing that vaping affects the gene expression of 358 genes that fight viruses and bacteria; in contrast, smoking affects 53 of these. The long-term implications of this are unknown.
The Foundation additionally stressed that vape juices contain solvents and metallic particles that are likely to form aldehydes when heated – aldehydes are known to cause cancer.
Dr Parker emphasises that while short-term complications of vaping are documented, the long-term effects remain uncertain and could take decades to fully understand, similar to tobacco smoking.
Dr Parker says, “Vaping meets the classification of a ‘gateway drug’, with studies indicating that youths who vape are 3.5 times more likely to start smoking cigarettes within two years. Nicotine, which is highly addictive, is particularly harmful to the developing adolescent brain, making them susceptible to habit-forming behaviours. Furthermore, vaping is often associated with the use of other substances, such as alcohol and opiates.”
The societal costs of vaping are substantial, affecting healthcare expenditure, productivity, and mortality rates.
Families play a vital role in helping young people quit vaping. Dr Parker advises.
Dr Parker concludes, “Vaping presents a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of young people, acting as a gateway to nicotine addiction and, potentially, more dangerous substances. As we observe World No Tobacco Day, it is imperative to raise awareness about these dangers and support efforts to curb this growing epidemic.
“Sanlam is committed to empowering young people to lead full, fulfilled lives of confidence and financial security. A lifetime addiction to nicotine is costly in terms of mental, physical, and financial health.”