Vaping has become increasing popular trend among young people across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, and many parents are unaware of the significant health risks associated with e-cigarettes. Often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, e-cigarettes are gaining popularity, due to its variety of flavours and widespread presence on social media. However, beneath this glossy exterior, vaping poses serious health dangers, particularly for adolescents whose bodies and brains are still developing. As parents, it’s critical to understand these risks and take steps to protect your children from the growing vaping epidemic.

Many teens are drawn to e-cigarettes because they are seen as trendy and harmless. The flavours, sleek design, and peer influence often make vaping seem like an attractive choice, but it’s important to realise that the effects of vaping are far from benign.

Common misconceptions about vaping

• Vape vapour is harmless: Vaping produces an aerosol, not water vapour. This aerosol contains over 200 chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer, inflammation, scarring, and DNA harm. Even nicotine-free vapes can carry these risks.
• Nicotine-free vapes are safe: Many vapes still contain nicotine despite labels claiming otherwise. Nicotine is addictive and harmful, even in small amounts.
• Vaping is a safer alternative to smoking: While marketed as a quitting aid, vaping is not a risk-free option. It should only be considered as a last resort for smoking cessation, and only after exploring other treatments like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
• Vaping is allowed where smoking is banned: Vaping is prohibited in many of the same places where smoking is banned. It’s important to avoid vaping around babies, children, pregnant women, and those with respiratory conditions, as vapour can harm developing bodies and lungs.
• Vaping helps with stress relief: E-cigarettes, often marketed as a stress reliever, but nicotine actually increases heart rate and anxiety, leading to a cycle of dependence and temporary relief, rather than addressing stress.

Vaping is not without its dangers. Even though e-cigarettes are often advertised as a healthier choice compared to smoking, the truth is that they still carry significant health risks. The vapour produced contains harmful substances like formaldehyde and acrolein, which can damage the lungs and cardiovascular systems.

Nicotine exposure during adolescence is particularly concerning. Research shows that nicotine can hinder lung development, and early exposure increases the likelihood of developing chronic respiratory diseases later in life. This is a major reason why parents must stay unformed and vigilant about what their children are using.

DID YOU KNOW?
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of vaping, as their lungs are still developing into early adulthood. While research is ongoing, we know nicotine exposure during this critical period can impair lung function, increase the risk of lung disease, and alter brain development. This can lead to cognitive issues like reduced memory, attention, and impulse control, as well as a higher risk of addiction to other substances later in life.

Beyond conversation, stay vigilant. Be aware of the signs that your child may be using e-cigarette, such as the smell of fruit or candy flavours, or a sudden interest in vape-related products.

Furthermore, encourage healthy coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. Many young people turn to vaping to manage emotional challenges. By teaching your children healthier ways to handle stress like physical activity, creative outlets, or mindfulness, you can help them avoid turning to nicotine.

DID YOU KNOW?
A recent study suggests that former smokers who switch to e-cigarettes may be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who don’t vape. Public awareness is crucial to prevent a repeat of the cigarette epidemic, where decades passed before the full health risks were understood, including cancer and death in 1 in 2 users.

Governments play a crucial role in reducing vape rates, but parents can also have a significant impact. Support policies that ban vaping advertisements on social media and promote educational campaigns that expose the dangers of e-cigarettes.

EXPERT INSIGHT
Paige adds that policymakers can play a key role in reducing the presence of vaping products, particularly on social media. Banning ads and promotions of e-cigarettes on these platforms is a vital step. Like traditional cigarettes, implementing plain packaging for e-cigarettes can help reduce their appeal to adolescents.

Regulating influencers and the tobacco industry’s promotional tactics is also crucial, as social media personalities significantly impact youth behaviour. Policymakers should expand educational campaigns to expose deceptive marketing strategies and raise awareness of vaping’s risks.

Additionally, providing support services for nicotine-dependent youth is essential. It’s important to remove the stigma around addiction and offer compassionate, effective resources to help young people quit.

EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR
Paige Preston
General Manager – Policy, Advocacy & Prevention Programs
Lung Foundation Australia
Instagram: @lungfoundation

Resources

1. E-cigarettes and vaping
2. Resources: Unveil what you inhale