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By East Health Trust – Primary Health Organisation Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but health experts warn it carries serious risks, particularly for young people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the rise of e-cigarette use among youth a global epidemic. “Kids are being recruited and trapped at an early age to use e-cigarettes and get hooked to nicotine,” World Health Organisation Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says. “I urge countries to implement strict measures to prevent uptake to protect their citizens, especially their children and young people.” So why is vaping a problem? Most vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can harm adolescent brain development. Beyond nicotine, the flavourings and chemicals found in e-liquids can also pose risks – some are toxic or even carcinogenic. Evidence continues to emerge around vaping’s links to respiratory, cardiovascular, and broader health issues. One recognised condition is EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). Symptoms can include shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. For some, these symptoms can be severe and require hospitalisation. In response to rising concerns, new regulations came into effect in June this year. These include a ban on disposable vapes, removal of product advertising and in-store displays, child-safety features on devices, and stricter penalties for sales to minors. New retailers must also be at least 100 metres away from early childcare centres. Daniel Calder, clinical director for East Health Trust, says the conversation across the organisation’s 18 clinics is ramping up. “Our clinicians are regularly asking patients about vaping, and the data shows a concerning upward trend particularly among young people who have never smoked traditional cigarettes. “Our goal is to ensure the community has clear and accessible information about the associated risks.” Vaping may appear deceptively harmless, but the evidence shows it brings significant dangers, especially for our young people. Awareness and prevention remain key to protecting our community’s future health. The ASH, Action for Smokefree Snapshot Survey surveys 20,000-30,000 students every year – one of the largest independent youth smoking and vaping surveys in the world. It uses robust and validated measures, and is conducted to a high methodological standard that has been subject to peer review and ethics approval. www.easthealth.co.nz
