Vaping is just as or more dangerous than traditional cigarettes; understand

The harms of electronic cigarettes (vapes) can manifest themselves much faster than the consequences of traditional cigarettes

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In Brazil, the sale, importation and advertising of electronic cigarettes is prohibited. Despite this, its use is quite popular, especially among young people, who often call it vaping.

According to a study by Intelligence in Research and Consulting (Ipec), the number of e-cigarette users quadrupled from 2018 to 2022. And, according to a survey released by Unesp (Universidade Estadual Paulista), most of them are young: 9.7% of 18-24 year olds have tried vaping. In the 35-49 age group this percentage drops to 3.3%.

These data represent a major public health alarm, as the e-cigarette can be as harmful or more harmful than the traditional version. The same survey released by Unesp highlighted the high quantity of sugar present in the liquids that feed electronic cigarettes to add fruit flavours. These substances can cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. Additionally, the device can cause other serious health problems.

“To the No smoking day (29/08), we must focus our efforts on changing the scenario as we did with traditional smoking: in 2000, 30% of Brazilians were smokers. In 2021, it was just 9%, one of the lowest in the world,” points out Dr. Rafael Canineu, geriatrician and medical director of Health Analytics at Alliance Saúde.

Risks of the electronic cigarette

According to the doctor, smoking causes harmful effects on health which are often only perceived in old age. Among these consequences it is possible to mention:

• Chronic lung disease (bronchitis and emphysema)
• Various types of cancer (lung, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, cervix, stomach and liver);
• Coronary artery disease (angina and heart attack);
• Cerebrovascular disease (stroke).

However, in the case of e-cigarettes, health problems can manifest themselves much earlier. “Unlike conventional cigarettes, which sometimes take 20 or 30 years for disease to appear in the user, e-cigarettes, which promised safety, were able to quickly kill young people,” explains Dr. Jaqueline Scholz, a specialist doctor at the SBC (Brazilian Society of Cardiology) in actions against smoking.

According to the expert, electronic cigarettes can cause dangerous inflammatory reactions in the body. “Often, when inflammation occurs in the wall of the endothelium, which lines the arteries, it can become damaged and trigger acute cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and acute coronary syndrome,” he says.

Lungs of young people still in formation

In a context where the majority of electronic cigarette users are young, it should be noted that the human body only fully develops around the age of 19, i.e. with some variations depending on the case. This means that device damage can be even more harmful in young people.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) warn of the harm deriving from the use of nicotine in people under the age of 20. According to the organization, teenagers who use these devices are more likely to become smokers in later life, leading to other serious health problems.

vaping ban

A report released in 2021 by the entity showed that 84 countries have no measures against the proliferation of this type of product. On the other hand, 32 countries ban the sale of these vaporizers, including Mexico, India, Argentina and Brazil. In addition, 79 other countries have taken at least one measure to limit its use, such as advertising bans, as is the case in the US, UK and Canada.

“E-cigarettes are banned, not regulated or controlled. This is an issue that should not be ignored. This is because cigarette consumption kills millions of individuals every year and is detrimental to longevity. Ensuring an old age with quality of life, more healthy, it is essential to make these young people aware of the dangers of electronic devices and how their use is linked to the worsening of various diseases that can arise with age”, warns Dr. Rafael Canineu.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.