The electronic cigarettes They are trendy among teenagers. Known as "vaping", in reference to the steam that is inhaled, gives the false perception that it is "cool" and that, unlike tobacco, it is harmless to your health.
But nevertheless, this new fashion is not harmless. 90 percent of electronic cigarettes contain nicotine, a substance that is very harmful to their health that hooks children and turns this new fashion into the gateway to smoking.
What is an electronic cigarette?
The electric cigarette or electronic cigar, also called vaporizer, vaper, vapera, eCig or eCigar, is a electronic device inhaler With a small battery to heat and vaporize a liquid solution that is aspirated through a nozzle.
This solution usually has different flavors that attract teenagers (mint, chocolate, licorice or vanilla) and also contain, in the vast majority, liquid nicotine, which is addictive, in addition to other potentially harmful chemicals.
In Xataka 'vaping' reaches teenagers and turns on alarmsVaping as a precursor to tobacco
Electronic cigarettes emerged as a method to quit smoking, but quickly became a product of desire for the youngest. A study published last year in the journal PLOS ONE concludes that electronic cigarettes are not too effective to quit tobacco, but for catch new smokers, especially among young adults and teenagers.
WHO considers that only 1% of those who vape manage to quit smoking. Another study published by the AAP (American Pediatric Association) concludes that the use of electronic cigarettes in young people who never smoke can increase the risk that they will subsequently start using cigarettes.
In the short term, the use of these devices irritates the airway and alters lung function, while its long-term effects are unknown as there are no conclusive studies yet.
The danger of electronic cigarettes
The liquid in cigarettes contains nicotine in doses ranging from 0 to 36mg / ml. The Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) explains the composition of electronic cigarettes and their health effects:
"In the vapor released by the EC different substances are detected: formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acroleins. These substances are also present in the smoke of manufactured cigarettes, although in greater quantity than in the EC. Formaldehyde and acrolein are formed as a consequence of the heating of glycerin On the other hand, metals such as nickel, chromium and lead have been found in the steam of the EC It is noteworthy that the levels of nickel found in the vapor of the EC are higher than those detected in the cigarette smoke The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies all these substances as carcinogenic, without determining a safety threshold for consumption. In addition, some of these substances have the capacity to cause damage to the pulmonary interstitium. "
The vaping epidemic among teenagers
According to data from the National Drug Plan, in a survey of more than 30 thousand Spanish teenagers between 14 and 18 years old, one in four ever tried an electronic cigarette. As the age increases, the percentage increases, reaching 19.5% in the 18-year-old group.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has labeled it a problem of epidemic proportions. To address it, it has launched a strong action plan to prevent the sale and marketing of electronic cigarettes to children. In September they announced it like this:
"We see clear signs that the use of electronic cigarettes by young people has reached an epidemic proportion, and we must adjust certain aspects of our comprehensive strategy to stop this clear and present danger."
In Babies and more Sanidad studies prohibiting smoking in cars where children travelFor its part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC) considers it a public health concern and advises:
Restrict the use of electronic cigarettes near teenagers: Do not allow anyone to use electronic cigarettes or other tobacco products near young people. Young people not only observe the behaviors of others as an example but also run the risk of being exposed to nicotine or other chemicals that can be harmful to health.
Visit places where tobacco is prohibited. Avoid restaurants and other places where tobacco products are allowed, including electronic cigarettes.
Make sure tobacco is banned at school. Check with the school administration to ensure that tobacco, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in the school or university attended by your children.
Prohibit tobacco inside your home. Prohibit your family, friends and guests from using all types of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, inside your home and vehicles. This is an additional measure to completely protect your children from being exposed to second-hand smoke from cigarettes and to second-hand aerosol or vapor from electronic cigarettes.
Set the example. Be an example for young people by not using tobacco. Even if you are stopping using it, share the reasons why you want to do it and ask them to support you in your attempt.
LA SEPAR asks the Spanish health authorities to regulate the electronic cigarette and its accessories as a medication.
"This would control the indiscriminate consumption of it that is happening at the present time, with the consequent danger not only for public health, but also for young people to start using tobacco through it and, in addition, the process of de-normalization of tobacco consumption in public places is impaired as a result of the current Law regulating tobacco consumption ".
