The sight of a group of huddled youngsters in good spirits sharing giggles and stories is enough to make anyone older reminisce about their own youthful days. Nevertheless, the overwhelming and almost perverse scent of bubblegum wafting around them may be puzzling - especially if it’s not just someone’s pricey perfume.

Amidst the adrenaline rush of adulting, stress-relieving outlets and an overall pressure to fit into modern society in the form of a handheld electronic aerosol, lies the unsettling consequences of confining one’s youth to vaping. 

What is vaping?
The act of using a small, battery-powered handheld device (such as e-cigarettes, JUULs or vape pens) to inhale the mist produced by an e-liquid is considered vaping.
The e-cigarette or vaping device heats the liquid to create an aerosol that you breathe in from a mouthpiece. Some vapes come with a power or control button, whereas others have built-in sensors that activate when inhaled.

What is e-liquid made of?
The liquid filling these cartridges usually contains nicotine (extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol (a toxic chemical found in paint solvents) and unique flavourings. However, they may also contain carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, harmful substances responsible for lung disease such as acrolein and diacetyl, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) - a major component present in marijuana that allows you to feel “high”, vitamin E acetate that is linked to lung injury and toxic heavy metals like nickel, tin, arsenic and lead that pose as a serious health threat under frequent exposure.

The dangers of vaping
Perceived as a replacement for the regular cancer stick, much of the youth in today’s society resort to using vapes, which is often misunderstood as a less harmful alternative. As research around the effects of vaping continues, experts have already reached the conclusion that it still contributes to serious illnesses, akin to smoking.

The risks of vaping include asthma, permanent lung scarring (bronchiolitis obliterans), atherosclerosis (leading to heart failure) and organ damage. Components such as nicotine can interfere with brain development increasing the risk of psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment in adolescents particularly. It also constitutes addiction as nicotine brings about the release of the happy hormone, dopamine within mere seconds after inhalation, leaving individuals to crave that specific feeling of satisfaction over time and reeling them into more frequent use. 

As with other types of smoking, vaping may also increase the risk of cancer, as the liquid contains carcinogenic components. 

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observed a sharp rise in patients suffering from similar respiratory symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, chest pain as well as fever and chills. It was noted they had all used vaping products within the previous three months. Thus, a new respiratory disorder had evolved, named EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury) where it was discovered that components in e-cigarettes lead to widespread damage in your lungs and was even reported to be fatal.

Research suggests that second-hand exposure to the aerosol produced by vapes can trigger asthma attacks in individuals with a sensitive respiratory condition. In addition, harmful chemicals can also penetrate through the skin, allowing surrounding people to be at a potential health risk. Among the myriad of health threats, the added risk of batteries in vaping devices exploding, albeit uncommon, also persists - causing serious burns, broken bones and sometimes even death.

The impact on today’s youth 
The surge of vaping among adolescents is typically attributed to mental health stressors, peer pressure and the general experimental tendencies of teenagers and young adults. While dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression and other mental health issues stemming from school or home, the youth of today find themselves turning to vaping as an unhealthy coping mechanism. It is also not uncommon for reluctant teens to partake in ‘friendly’ hangouts, where eventually, one is pressured into the act of vaping, in an attempt to fit into social settings. Additionally, the colourful packaging and enticing flavourings that are usually fruity or candy-like persuade many to feed into the novel sensation.

However, there are several who wish to move away from the habit, citing reasons such as a growing awareness of their physical and mental health, eventual growing dislike of certain friend groups promoting the act and wanting to be free from addiction to preserve a healthy future.

To aid with quitting, the general advice is addressing the problems that lead to the act of vaping itself. If anxiety and stress are the causes, it is best to pay attention to one’s body and mind, such as taking care of diet, as well as exploring other practices such as meditation and mindfulness to ease tension.

Dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal after quitting can be tough, so ensure that healthy distractions are available. Experts mention that physical activity, engaging in purposeful interests, and oral substitutes for vaping such as chewing gum and drinking water are good options to stave off the craving for vapes. If required, professional help is suggested by reaching out to counsellors and doctors.