Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, warns about the growing dangers of vaping among our youth and how it compares to smoking.
Vaping has become increasingly popular among teens, with alarming new research highlighting the trend. A recent study published in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine found that 16.8% of high school students currently use e-cigarettes, with usage climbing to nearly 30% among Grade 12 learners. Even more concerning, almost 37% of students reported having tried vaping at least once.
The study surveyed over 25,000 learners from 52 schools across eight of SA’s nine provinces, showing how widespread vaping has become in local schools.
With World No Tobacco Day (31 May) coming up, it’s vital to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping, especially how addictive it is and how it compares to smoking.
What’s the Difference Between Vaping and Smoking?
Cigarettes burn tobacco and release over 7,000 chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and arsenic, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. In contrast, vapes heat a liquid (called e-liquid or vape juice) that often contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, flavourings, and other chemicals. Although vapes may release fewer toxins than cigarettes, they still deliver harmful substances directly into the lungs.
Medical Risks
- Nicotine Addiction
Both vapes and cigarettes contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance that can alter brain development in teens and increase dependence. Even occasional vaping can lead to addiction.
- Lung Damage
Smoking is well known to cause lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Vaping can cause “popcorn lung” (bronchiolitis obliterans), inflammation, and lung injuries, some of which have been fatal.
- Heart Health
Nicotine from vapes speeds up your heart rate and raises your blood pressure, just like cigarettes do. Over time, the chemicals in both smoke and vapour can damage your blood vessels, putting you at greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart problems.
- Brain Development
Vaping during the teen years can affect how the brain grows and works. Because the brain is still developing until around age 25, nicotine from vapes can interfere with key areas linked to learning, memory, focus, and emotional control. This can lead to problems such as poor concentration, mood swings, anxiety, and memory issues, sometimes lasting into adulthood.
- Immune System Impact
Vaping can weaken the lungs’ natural defences. Studies show it lowers the immune response in the respiratory system, making it easier for infections and viruses, like the flu, colds, and even pneumonia, to take hold. This means vapers may get sick more often and struggle to recover as quickly.
Second-Hand Exposure
Vaping might smell sweet, but the vapour still contains nicotine and tiny harmful particles. These can affect people nearby, especially children, pregnant women, and those with asthma. While cigarette smoke is more toxic, second-hand vapour is still unsafe.
The Illusion of Safety
Many users believe vaping is safer because it’s marketed as a cleaner, more modern alternative to smoking. It’s sleek, discreet, and doesn’t leave a lingering smell. However, these factors make it more appealing to teens and more dangerous in the long run by encouraging frequent use and downplaying risks.
Can Vaping Lead to Smoking?
Yes. Global studies show that teens who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes within months.
With vaping becoming popular in schools, health experts warn it may be a gateway to more harmful habits. Once addicted to nicotine through vaping, many young people move on to cigarettes and other tobacco products, increasing their health risks.
The Bottom Line
Both vaping and smoking carry serious health risks. While vaping may contain fewer known toxins than cigarettes, it is not safe, especially for teens, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions. And with so many unknown long-term effects still being researched, prevention and education are key. This World No Tobacco Day (31 May), Affinity Health encourages everyone to understand the real risks of vaping and smoking and to take action. With the Affinity Health Day-to-Day Plan, members can access GPs, medical advice, and support to help quit nicotine for good.
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