Vaping is inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette (a vape). Also known as e-cigarettes, vapes hold a liquid containing nicotine as well as other chemicals.
Vapes are used by many adults as an aid to help them stop smoking. Unlike cigarettes, vapes do not contain harmful tar or carbon monoxide. However, they do contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.
Under-age vaping in the UK is becoming increasingly common. With a variety of tempting flavours, such as bubblegum and vanilla, and eye-catching packaging it’s no surprise that some young people simply try vaping through curiosity – worryingly, even if they have never smoked before. Vape designs can also resemble everyday items, such as highlighter pens and fidget toys, making it easy for them to be hidden away.
In 2023, the proportion of children experimenting with vaping had grown by 50% year on year, from one in thirteen to one in nine (according to a report by ASH). This figure is still rising. Alongside short-term side effects of vaping, which include throat and mouth irritation and headaches, young people who vape are at increased risk of nicotine addiction, mood disorders and difficulty in paying attention.
Whilst vaping is safer than smoking, the long-term effects are still unknown and it carries its own set of risks.
Addiction
Nicotine, the primary substance in most e-cigarettes, is highly addictive. Nicotine addiction can lead to various health issues, including increased risk of smoking traditional cigarettes.
Lung Damage
The particles inhaled during vaping can cause inflammation and irritation in the lungs. Severe lung injury, known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), has been linked to vaping.
Cardiovascular Risks
Nicotine in e-cigarettes can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems.
Potentially Harmful Chemicals
While e-cigarettes contain fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they still have some potentially harmful substances.
Unregulated Products
Many vaping products are not well-regulated, leading to potential inconsistencies in product quality and safety. This increases the risk of exposure to harmful substances. UK regulations state that single use electronic cigarettes should have a tank capacity of no more than 2ml and contain no more than 20mg of nicotine. However, Trading Standards officers in the UK have reported illegal vapes with nicotine levels twice the UK legal limit being sold in corner shops.
Explosions and Burns
Defective e-cigarette batteries have been known to explode, causing burns and injuries.
Impact on Brain Development
In adolescents, vaping nicotine can impact brain development, affecting memory, concentration, learning, self-control, and mood.
Vaping is a highly addictive habit, and we understand how challenging it is to stop, particularly without any support. CADAS has expertise in helping those dealing with addiction and we support anyone who feels their addiction is problematic.
We provide 1-1 and group support, alongside delivering education to schools and training professionals in health and social care. CADAS offer a wide variety of educational workshops in schools and youth club settings to promote the prevention of harm from a range of addictions, particularly vaping, drugs, alcohol and gambling. To register your interest please complete the schools workshop form on our website.
For more information on our services, visit www.cadas.co.uk or give us a call on our freephone helpline 0800 2 54 56 58 and we can have a chat about the support we can offer.
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