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The Hidden Dangers of Vaping

As a Food Scientist, Nutritionist and Economist, I am deeply concerned about the rising trend of vaping and the insidious nature of how it is portrayed as a harmless substitute for tobacco and cigarettes. My frustration is not directed at individuals who vape but at the manufacturers who lure people, particularly the young, into using another harmful and addictive product for the sake of lucrative profits. The aggressive marketing tactics and the candy-like flavours are nothing short of a public health crisis in the making. 

The Allure of Vaping: A Sweet Shop Deception 

Walk into any shop that sells vaping products, and it often feels like stepping into a candy store. Flavours like bubble-gum, strawberry milkshake, and cotton candy are strategically designed to appeal to young people. According to a report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the number of young people aged 11-18 who have tried vaping has risen to 25.4% in 2024, up from 11.7% in 2021. This increase is alarming, as it indicates how effective these marketing strategies are in attracting the youth. 

The Hidden Dangers of Vaping

The Health Risks of Vaping: What Science Tells Us 

Contrary to the benign image projected by manufacturers, vaping carries significant health risks. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights that e-cigarettes can contain harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that daily e-cigarette use was associated with a 56% higher risk of heart attack compared to non-users. 

Moreover, the long-term health effects of vaping are still not fully understood. However, early indications suggest potential risks to lung health, with cases of severe lung injury and deaths linked to vaping reported in the United States. The potential for a future public health crisis looms large, and it is society that will bear the brunt of these consequences. 

The Economic Perspective: Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Costs 

From an economic standpoint, the government may benefit from tax revenues from vaping manufacturers. However, these short-term gains are likely to be dwarfed by the long-term costs associated with healthcare for vaping-related illnesses. The NHS is already under immense pressure, and the addition of vaping-related diseases will only exacerbate the situation. 

The UK Government has indeed been somewhat quiet on the subject, perhaps due to the tax revenues involved. In 2021, the UK Vaping Industry Association estimated the vaping market to be worth £1.3 billion, contributing significant tax revenues. However, this financial benefit is likely to be outweighed by the future healthcare costs. According to Public Health England, smoking costs the NHS £2.6 billion annually. If vaping follows a similar trajectory, the financial burden will be substantial. 

 

The Role of Government: A Duty to Protect 

Does the government not have a duty to protect its citizens from harmful products? The silence on vaping regulations is troubling. The parallel to how smoking was once portrayed as cool and ‘good for you’ is stark. It took nearly 100 years for society to fully recognise and act on the dangers of smoking. Will we take as long to ban or regulate vaping? 

As a society, we must question and hold accountable the authorities and manufacturers. What steps can we take to prevent this looming health crisis? How do we get our government and other health authorities to consider the long-term ramifications while maintaining a free society and avoiding a nanny state? 

 

A Call to Action 

I believe it is crucial to raise awareness and foster a dialogue on this issue. It is not just about individual choices but about protecting public health and ensuring the sustainability of our healthcare system. We must advocate for stricter regulations, better education on the risks of vaping, and a more responsible approach to marketing these products. 

Let us remember how smoking was once portrayed and how long it took to acknowledge its dangers. Let us not sleepwalk into another public health crisis.  

By raising these questions and highlighting the evidence, we can engage in a meaningful conversation about vaping and its implications for public health and society at large. Let’s not wait until it’s too late to act. 

Your thoughts and responses are welcome. Together, I am sure we can work towards a healthier future.   

 

 

References: 

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) 

Journal of the American College of Cardiology 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

UK Vaping Industry Association 

Public Health England 

 

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