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

Aug.31.2022
The New Threat to Young People's Health: E-Cigarette Experimentation
Electronic cigarettes pose a new threat to youth health, as they are difficult to identify and can cause serious health problems.

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.


The Getty Images agency.


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.


Announcement


This article is compiled from third-party information and is only meant for industry-related exchange and learning.


This article does not represent the viewpoint of 2FIRSTS, and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness and accuracy of the content. The compilation of this article is only intended for communication and research within the industry.


Due to limitations in our translation abilities, there may be discrepancies between the compiled article and the original text. Therefore, please refer to the original text for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government in regards to any domestic, issues related to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and foreign affairs statements and positions.


Copyright of compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us to have it removed.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

South Korea e-cigarette import of e-liquid increases annually, hits $85.64M in 2024, up 39.5%.
South Korea e-cigarette import of e-liquid increases annually, hits $85.64M in 2024, up 39.5%.
South Korea's e-cigarette market sees a surge in demand for synthetic nicotine products, with imports reaching $85.64 million in 2024.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Threat of Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Denbighshire, UK
The Threat of Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Denbighshire, UK
29 shops in Denbighshire, UK found selling illegal e-cigarettes, but no prosecutions made. Industry report reveals threat to public health.
Apr.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
From Emphasizing Adjustability to Quantifying Metrics: Brands Like GEEKBAR and MR FOG Launch Refined Flavor Products
From Emphasizing Adjustability to Quantifying Metrics: Brands Like GEEKBAR and MR FOG Launch Refined Flavor Products
Since the second quarter of 2025, a new trend has emerged in the e-cigarette market, with a focus on detailed flavor descriptions. Brands such as GEEKBAR, MR FOG, and PYNE POD have launched new e-cigarette and e-liquid products. Instead of emphasizing overall adjustable flavor functions, these brands now provide detailed labels for each flavor, including levels of coolness, sweetness, and throat hit, as well as customized PG/VG ratios, offering more specific flavor information to consumers.
May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire Clarifies: Malaysia Plant Does Not Involve Nicotine or Cannabis Products, All Production for Export Only
Ispire Clarifies: Malaysia Plant Does Not Involve Nicotine or Cannabis Products, All Production for Export Only
Ispire stated that its Malaysia facility complies with local laws and only produces semi-finished vaporizer hardware without nicotine or cannabis. All products are for export and not distributed or sold in the local market.
Jun.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Queensland, Australia Seizes 76,000 E-cigarettes and Tobacco Products Worth $20.8M
Queensland, Australia Seizes 76,000 E-cigarettes and Tobacco Products Worth $20.8M
Recently, Queensland, Australia seized a record amount of illegal e-cigarettes and tobacco products, totaling 76,000 items worth about 20.8 million Australian dollars. The operation, supported by heavy fines introduced in April, collected 5.09 million Australian dollars in the first week. It aims to combat the illegal market and protect youth.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ELFBAR & LOST MARY Unite to Combat Counterfeit: 50K+ Counterfeit Vapes Seized Globally, 30+ Lawsuits Filed
ELFBAR & LOST MARY Unite to Combat Counterfeit: 50K+ Counterfeit Vapes Seized Globally, 30+ Lawsuits Filed
E-cigarette brands ELFBAR and LOST MARY revealed that joint anti-counterfeiting operations in countries including the Czech Republic, Germany, and Russia have led to the seizure of over 50,000 counterfeit vaping products. Additionally, since 2024, the companies have filed more than 30 civil lawsuits against counterfeiters in regions spanning the Chinese mainland, Germany, Russia, and other markets.
Apr.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai