The Dangers of E-Cigarettes: A Warning for Teens

Aug.01.2022
Electronic cigarettes pose risks, particularly for teenagers, and may lead to smoking and drug use, warns addiction therapist Chris Sekar.

According to addiction therapist Chris Sekar, electronic cigarettes are a dangerous habit that appears to lead teenagers into a so-called "safe drug world," giving them a false sense of confidence and inertia that is illusory.


Chris, a member of the Malaysian Society of Addiction Medicine, stated that there is no such thing as "safe habits". Chris himself used to smoke and use drugs. He explained that non-nicotine vape does not create physical dependence, but it can result in cognitive dependence, which includes anger, depression, lack of focus, and family conflicts. It is important to note that the multiple flavors in the cartridges can be linked to THC, misleading younger users. This is especially dangerous for parents who may incorrectly assume that vaping is a safe alternative for teens.


Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a community health physician at Malaysia's Kebangsan University Medical Center, warned that if the issue of e-cigarette use among students is not addressed, more young people may eventually turn to smoking or even drug use. Professor Sharifa stated that students could use open pod systems to mix with illegal drugs such as THC.


As a result, she is calling for a halt to the sale of such devices to young people. Dr. Sharifa stated, "While e-cigarettes may not be as harmful as traditional cigarettes, they still carry risks, as they contain chemicals that can cause lung damage, particularly in individuals with asthma or poor lung health. These risks are present, but studies have shown that particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are lower than in traditional cigarettes, so it is considered less harmful to some extent compared to traditional cigarettes. However, it is not intended for recreational purposes and exploration by young people. E-cigarettes are prepared for smokers who wish to quit this habit.


Dr. Sharifa discussed the potential danger of non-nicotine vape products for their users. "The use of non-nicotine electronic cigarettes is worthless, in fact, it may introduce foreign objects or microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi into the lungs.


She emphasized the need for proper monitoring and regulation of liquids and cigarettes. "In the UK, juice undergoes rigorous testing in a laboratory and is monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. It must comply with certain guidelines set by the UK Department of Public Health. Unfortunately, Malaysia does not do this.


I'm sorry, there is no text or information to translate. Could you please provide me with the original text you want me to translate?



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Product | JT Upgrades with2 Infused Tobacco Capsules With Double-Size BIG PACK
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) announced that it will introduce a BIG PACK version of all five tobacco capsule variants designed for its with2 infused tobacco system. Scheduled for release in Japan on August 4, 2026, the refreshed packaging doubles the contents from five capsules and one cartridge to ten capsules and two cartridges while maintaining the same flavors and formulations
News
Jun.26 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
A new Virginia law that took effect on July 1, 2026, requires retailers to obtain permits to sell liquid nicotine, vape and tobacco products, while directing Virginia ABC to conduct inspections and verify that stores sell only products listed in the state directory.
Jul.20
Product | IVG Pro 15K Enters European Retail Channels, Expanding High-Capacity Pod System Segment
Product | IVG Pro 15K Enters European Retail Channels, Expanding High-Capacity Pod System Segment
UK vape brand IVG has introduced the IVG Pro 15K, a high-capacity pod system combining a 2ml prefilled pod with a 10ml refill container to deliver up to 15,000 puffs. Unlike conventional high-puff disposable vapes, the IVG Pro 15K adopts a reusable device structure, reflecting a broader shift in the European vape market toward longer-use-cycle products and reusable hardware ecosystems.
Jul.14
Philippine Customs Seizes $2.22 Million in Misdeclared Vape Products From China
Philippine Customs Seizes $2.22 Million in Misdeclared Vape Products From China
The Philippine Bureau of Customs said it intercepted nine containers of misdeclared vape and vape-related products from China at the Manila International Container Port, with an estimated value of about ₱137 millionor, about $2.22 million.
Jul.10
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
Data|China’s May Vape Exports Fall 10.3%; January–May Shipments Slip 0.9%
China’s vape-related exports fell 10.25% year on year in May 2026, marking a second consecutive monthly decline, although exports recovered modestly from April. January-May exports totaled US$4.018 billion, down 0.86% from a year earlier and broadly in line with 2025 levels.
Special Report
Jun.29
Product | IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition Launches in Japan, Bringing New Design Elements to Heated Tobacco Devices
Product | IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition Launches in Japan, Bringing New Design Elements to Heated Tobacco Devices
Philip Morris Japan (PM Japan) has introduced the IQOS ILUMA i REMIX Limited Edition series, including the IQOS ILUMA i Prime REMIX, IQOS ILUMA i REMIX and IQOS ILUMA i ONE REMIX devices. The limited-edition models were officially announced in Japan on June 9, 2026, and began a phased market rollout from June 10. Featuring gradient color designs and visual customization elements, the collection highlights PMI’s continued use of limited editions to enhance brand experience within its heated tobacco portfolio.
Innovation
Jul.21 by 2Firsts Perspectives