The epidemic of e-cigarettes among adolescents

Pediatricians around the world warn that electronic cigarettes (vapes) are rapidly becoming a new epidemic among teenagers, can be addictive and pose many health risks.

On June 15, scientists from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in the UK said that the risks of using e-cigarettes are no lower than those of traditional cigarettes. The group called on the government to take urgent action to protect young people and invest in research into the long-term effects of this habit.

The UK Study on Tobacco and Health (ASH) in May found that one in five 15-year-olds vapes. The number of 11- to 17-year-olds who smoke has risen from 7.7% in 2022 to 11.6% this year.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), 40 children were admitted to hospital with disorders related to e-cigarettes in 2022, up from 11 cases the previous year. The NHS warned that the habit could make them ill and even endanger their lives.

In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 2.55 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes last year. Nearly 85% of them used flavored e-cigarettes, and about half used disposable e-cigarettes.

"E-cigarette use among American youth is at a worrying level, posing serious health risks," said Brian King, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products.

Late last year, the Vietnam Institute of Preventive Medicine and Public Health also announced the results of a 2022 study showing that 3.5% of 13-15 year old students smoke e-cigarettes, compared to 2.6% three years ago. E-cigarettes are not yet allowed to be imported, traded and circulated in the domestic market, however, buying, selling and advertising are taking place widely, especially on the internet. In addition, due to their diverse designs with many attractive shapes and flavors, these types of cigarettes attract young people, causing their use to increase rapidly.

A girl smoking an electronic cigarette. Photo: Independent — A girl smoking an electronic cigarette. Photo: *Independent*

The main ingredient in e-cigarettes is nicotine, which is highly addictive, similar to drugs. Nicotine affects brain development in adolescents and can even cause fetal damage. Cigarette smoke contains carcinogens, increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, immune deficiency, and reduced resistance. Overdose of nicotine can cause poisoning.

E-cigarettes contain aromatic flavors that can cause poisoning or irritation, leading to the use of other addictive substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.

Currently, selling e-cigarettes to people under 18 is illegal in many countries. However, social networks are still flooded with groups discussing tobacco flavors and sharing e-cigarette essential oils.

Dr Mike McKean, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, urged the government to take note of the serious environmental impact of e-cigarettes. He called for a complete ban on the products, saying vaping was becoming an “epidemic” among children and young people.

ASH recommends four highly effective interventions that could limit the impact of e-cigarettes: introducing specific taxes on e-cigarettes; banning brands from promoting images that appeal to young people; restoring funding for sustainable anti-smoking campaigns; and banning in-store e-cigarette advertising.

Earlier, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the country would stop the "unacceptable indiscriminate" marketing of e-cigarettes by many brands. The government is also considering banning the sale of "nicotine-free" e-cigarettes to people under 18.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has also repeatedly proposed banning all new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. At the same time, the agency requested relevant ministries and sectors to strictly handle cases of buying, selling and trading e-cigarettes.

Thuc Linh (According to Independent )

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