Sanlam : Vaping Is a Threat to Young People's Health

30 May 2024

UCT recently reported that vaping by young South Africans is on the rise. The University of Cape Town Lung Institute found close to 7,000 local learners vape, starting as early as grade 9. E-cigarettes can contain nicotine, which is known to impact adolescent brain development and serve as a gateway drug to more 'severe' substances.

This World No Tobacco Day shines a spotlight on the tobacco industry's tactics to 'ensnare' youth early for a 'lifetime of profit', according to the World Health Organization (WHO). E-cigarettes form a big part of these measures and have long-term implications for young people's health.

WHO reported that, globally, children are using e-cigarettes far more than adults, with 37 million young people (aged 13-15) estimated to use tobacco worldwide. Dr Parker, Medical Doctor at Sanlam, says vaping means inhaling a vapour via an electronic cigarette. The liquid can contain nicotine, a marijuana distillate or oil. The long-term impacts of vaping are still being determined; however, nicotine is linked to cancer, attention and mood disorders, and fertility issues.

"Starting vaping early can lead to a lifetime of addiction to nicotine and other substances. Second-hand exposure by bystanders is also an often-overlooked complication as the exhaled aerosol clouds have cancer-linked chemicals, which put other people at risk."