The New Threat to Young People's Health: E-Cigarette Experimentation

The health of young people is under a new threat: experimenting with e-cigarettes. These devices are difficult for educators to detect in schools and appear increasingly subtle and enticing with each new release. They are used in backyards, rooms, clubs, schools, and stored in backpacks where they can easily be exchanged among peers without drawing attention.

Stella Martins, a chemical dependency expert in the field of pulmonology at InCor Tobacco Treatment Program (Instituto do Coração, Hospital das Clínicas, FMUSP), has issued a warning stating that there are many counterfeit devices available, some even designed to look like asthma inhalers. This means that adolescents can use them in places like classrooms and restaurants, believing them to be a form of trustworthy treatment.

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The use of electronic cigarettes poses significant risks to individuals, including respiratory illnesses, increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, and even cancer. In the United States, there have been cases of young people seeking medical attention with EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury) resulting in injuries including organ damage, permanent disability, lung transplants, and death.

A study conducted by the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University has found that electronic cigarettes produced by major tobacco manufacturers contain high levels of caffeine, antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, heart rate control drugs, and significant amounts of caffeine. The investigation also revealed substances used to treat psoriasis, fertilizers, and disinfectants within the enticing aromas and flavors of these products.

Doctors at InCor explain that the new electronic cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, specifically nicotine salts, which contain new toxins that do not dissipate when inhaled, causing damage to the lungs. "These harmful substances disguise themselves as appealing aromas and flavors, masking any discomfort or irritation in the throat. Nicotine salts pose a new problem and challenge to public health.

Experts warn that young people are able to consume more and more nicotine, as it reaches the brain faster and brings greater pleasure. Inhaling large quantities of substances through e-cigarettes can quickly lead to addiction. "Due to the speed of dependence, use is extremely dangerous, which makes young people want to increase their consumption, and when they try to quit smoking, they will experience many stimuli, anxiety, and strong desires to continue smoking." Currently, users consume the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes per day through electronic cigarettes in just a few weeks. In traditional cigarettes, this would take years to develop.

Doctors have also issued a warning about the black market for counterfeit goods. "The cost of refilling these devices is very high, and in countries where marketing is allowed for economic reasons, many young people ultimately turn to the secret market or switch to traditional cigarettes.

Dr. Stella claims that fragrances used in parallel market products contain dangerous substances, such as THC and Vitamin E acetate, which can lead to the accumulation of fat in the lungs when inhaled, causing damage. Another risk pointed out by Dr. Stella is the hindrance of brain development and maturity, which occurs around the age of 21. The prefrontal cortex of young people's brains has a high concentration of nicotine, which affects decision-making, discernment of right and wrong, organization, and execution of plans.

According to a resolution by the National Health Supervision Bureau in 2009, Brazil prohibits the sale, marketing and promotion of smoking devices. Therefore, enhanced regulation is important. However, parents, educators and guardians need to intervene directly by accompanying users who may not be aware of the risks of this disease, the doctor concluded.

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