Photo Credit: Wikimedia 

By Lee Soon Joo

Vaping has been associated as being safe and trendy among teenagers. A vape is a handheld device called a vaporiser that uses e-liquid which may contain nicotine as well as different compositions of flavourings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), sweeteners and solvents.  It is estimated that there are thousands of e-liquid flavours. 

Vaping may cause health related issues such as lung cancer, mouth or gum disease and brain damage due to its content of nickel, tin and lead. Side-effects of vaping include coughing, dry mouth and throat, shortness of breath, mouth and throat irritation, and even headaches. 

The nicotine content in vapes is highly addictive and could harm adolescent brain development. Nicotine exposure can cause nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning. Without the awareness of the dangers of vaping, teenagers who are attracted to its sweet-smelling vapour would purchase vapes and even distribute them to their friends without their parents’ knowledge.   

In Labuan, a teenager was hospitalised at the Labuan Nucleus Hospital due to severe internal lung damage besides symptoms of rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. He was suspected to have been vaping for two weeks before falling ill. 

Stern action should await vape sellers who sell vapes to school children below 18 years old. It is also important to only strictly allow adults to purchase vapes. 

Besides, parents and schools should educate children on the dangers of vaping as children who vape might end up being smokers when they reach adulthood.