Vapes are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquid into the lungs.
You don’t want to become addicted to Nicotine or at risk of illness due to other unhealthy inclusions in these products.
Recent research tells us that Cigarette use is reducing. This is good news given the decades of evidence which confirms the ill effects they have on the body. Unfortunately, this research also reports that Vape use is increasing.
What is Vaping?
Vapes are electronic devices designed to deliver vapourised liquid into the lungs. The main ingredients include propylene glycol, nicotine and flavours. In addition to these they may contain harmful chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products, nail polish remover, weed killer and bug spray. Often these ingredients are not listed on the pack so it is hard to tell what you are actually inhaling.
Who is Vaping?
There are two main categories of people using Vapes:
The first are those using them to quit smoking. The science to support this is shaky at best and shows that you may just be switching addiction from one unhealthy product to another. It is always best to consult with your Doctor if you are considering using a vape device in these circumstances.
The second group of people are Social Vapers. Increasingly it is becoming more popular among young people who are attracted to the colourful packaging and appealing flavours.
Reasons not to Vape:
- Most vapes contain Nicotine which can become addictive very quickly and may lead to a lifelong habit. Nicotine changes the way brain synapses are formed especially in young people. It can reduce their ability to learn and affect mood and memory.
- Vapes often deliver proportionally higher amounts of these chemicals in fewer puffs – for example one Vape pod may deliver the inhalation equivalent of 100 cigarettes, a sobering thought.
- There is a risk of injury while using Vapes. Many cases of exploding Vapes have been documented. Injuries vary but can include the loss of multiple teeth, soft tissue damage and in rarer cases death!
- Many of the added ingredients are known carcinogens (chemicals that cause cancer). The research is ongoing but in the years to come it is almost certain that the link between Vaping and many forms of cancer (including Oral Cancer) will be confirmed.
SELLING VAPES TO PEOPLE UNDER 18 IS ILLEGAL
It is illegal to sell any Vape to people under 18 years of age, including retailers such as tobacconists, convenience stores and service stations. Our government agencies are increasingly cracking down and prosecuting on the importation and selling these of outlawed devices.
It is also illegal to sell vapes to friends or contacts under 18 on social media.
ABC News Article above outlines Perth warehouse seizure of illegal Vapes and Nangs. Perth Teen speaks out about illegal vape use.
You don’t want to become addicted to Nicotine or at risk of illness due to other unhealthy inclusions in these products. If you have friends who like to Vape socially, have a think beforehand and come up with a couple of reasons as to why you don’t want to Vape- some examples include,
“Vaping is not for me because I don’t know what is in it” or
“I care about my health and fitness and don’t want vaping to ruin it”.
Whatever your reason, you will make it knowing that your future will look more bright and healthy without Vapes.