In Aruba, vaping is growing among the younger generation. This was confirmed in the latest STEPS 2023 national health survey. A percentage of 10.5 in the age group of 18-29 years old use e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that come in different forms: resembling cigarettes, pens, or sophisticated and attractive devices. Users inhale a flavored vapor and exhale a smoke-like vapor similar to cigarettes.
Many people believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Although it is true that vape smoke has less tobacco contamination, it is still not safe. The nicotine in e-cigarettes is dangerous for both the user and the people around them. Nicotine is addictive and can affect the brain of young people, in particular. It can also affect the unborn baby when a pregnant woman vapes.
Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes also contain various harmful substances such as diacetyl, which can cause serious lung diseases. Additionally, they contain metals like nickel and lead and carcinogenic chemicals. The liquid used in e-cigarettes can be very dangerous; both children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing or inhaling it.
Tobacco companies spend over $8.2 billion on aggressive marketing per year, which is more than $22 million per day! Let’s stand firm and not let tobacco propaganda influence and create a new generation of smokers and nicotine addicts.
Smoking remains a danger to our health, whether in the form of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or in a more modern and sophisticated form such as vaping.
