We have all heard that vaping is less harmful than smoking, but we do not always understand why it is still harmful and not safe. In recent years, vaping has become a popular tactic worldwide to stop smoking for good. But nowadays, teenagers are starting to vape because they think it is cool and attractive. Most teenagers do not realise how harmful vaping really is and what negative effects it can cause both mentally and physically. So, what is it about vaping that makes it unsafe?
Both smoking and vaping carries risks and causes side effects. Current research from scientists indicates that vaping is certainly not a safe replacement to smoking. Vaping is the inhaling of an aerosol that contains several dangerous chemicals and flavourings through an electronic cigarette or other device. It is unfortunately increasing in popularity among school going teenagers.
New research suggests that the average age of young people starting to vape in Ireland is between 13 and 15. This statistic is without a doubt concerning.
Clearly, it is not healthy to smoke or vape. Smoking is far more harmful than vaping, however, this does not mean that vaping is safe. The harmful chemicals contained in vapes include a substantial amount of nicotine, a dangerous and highly addictive substance known to slow down the growth and maturing of brains in teenagers.
With new research showing that the average person in Ireland starting to vape is around the time they commence secondary school, it is quite worrying that their brains will already be slowed at a young age. This can have a detrimental effect on their behaviour in school and academic performance.
Recent findings show that vaping has negative side effects on mental health. Vaping can impact impulse control, especially for teenagers because their brains haven’t fully developed yet. Suicidal thoughts and symptoms of anxiety and even depression can occur when vapers become too dependent on vaping.
The nicotine found in vapes can in fact aggravate anxiety symptoms and intensify feelings of depression. Large amounts of lethal substances have been found in vaping devices, such as aluminium, arsenic and lead, which affects the nervous system and increases depression risk.
Vaping damages the lungs and destroys the immune system. Furthermore, teenagers who vape are more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes and are also vulnerable to developing other addictions. Why would teenagers want to idiotically damage their lungs and delay their brain development?
Maybe teenagers start vaping because of their friends. Studies have shown that teenagers are more likely to vape if their friend group sees vaping as cool. This is an immoral decision any teenager can make. Researchers at the Irish Tobacco Research Institute say that secondary school students these days are just going into the bathrooms to vape and are getting away with it.
The Irish Government fortunately recognises that this is a serious ongoing problem. They are currently drafting legislation that will ban the sale of nicotine-inhaling products and all vaping devices to all individuals under 18. The government has also been urged to go further and prohibit certain flavoured products to protect minors.
Watermelon, strawberry and bubble-gum are among the various flavours that teenagers are attracted to. The healthiest course of action is not to vape or smoke. Teenagers most definitely should not vape if they do not smoke. They should only vape to quit smoking.
