We know that vaping is bad for us.
Young or old, it doesn’t matter, the habit is damaging to your health. Yet it doesn’t seem that this fact is deterring people from trying it.
According to a new Health Ireland survey, the number of those using vapes has risen from 6% of the population to 8% since 2022, with a further 12% reporting they have tried them in the past but no longer use them.
The survey also revealed that 20% of women aged between 15-24 use e-cigarettes either daily or occasionally, with the rate for men of the same age group at 16%.
Other findings in the report showed that the percentage of current smokers (18%) remained the same as those reported in 2021-2022.
Yet why is it so bad?
What are the health risks of vaping?
There are many, some we know for sure and others we may not understand yet as vaping is a relatively new way of consuming nicotine.
Though we have a lot left to learn, this is what we do know.
- Addiction: E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug that’s highly addictive. You don’t even have to vape every day to get addicted.
- Anxiety and depression: Nicotine makes anxiety and depression worse. It can also have a direct effect on memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in developing brains.
- Becoming a smoker: Young people who vape are more likely to start smoking regular (tobacco) cigarettes and may be more likely to develop other addictions in the future.
- Impotence: There is some evidence that vaping can cause sexual dysfunction in men.
- Sleep problems such as insufficient sleep, interrupted sleep, restlessness during sleep, nightmares, and daytime sleepiness
- Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals
- Chronic bronchitis, which is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs.
- Lung damage that can be life-threatening
How do I know if my child is vaping?
Like most situations, if you have an inkling that your child is vaping, you should just ask them in a nonjudgmental, concerned way if they have tried it.
You want to encourage conversation, not shut it down. Signs of vaping you can look out for include:
- New health issues such as coughing or wheezing
- E-cigarette supplies, like cartridges
- New smells
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