vaping: is it cool? or are you just uneducated?
By Cerys Platt
Vaping has become significantly prevalent amongst younger teens, and even people under the age restriction. While some view vaping as trendy and a seemingly harmless alternative to traditional smoking, there is an ongoing debate about its long-term effects. The role of education in shaping people’s perception on the subject is more dire than ever. The truth that comes with this is that the ‘vape culture’ has been brief, offering insufficient time to conduct studies and research on the chemicals inside vapes, and how those chemicals can harm our bodies.
‘Vape culture’ has captured the attention of many brands such as Lost Mary’s and Elf Bars being infamous for their colourful and attractive image. It can be idealised as a stylish device with numerous flavours which somehow makes it fun. It has been marketed as a modern, cool lifestyle choice. Social media influencers can often be showcased vaping, reinforcing the perception that possessing your own vape is cool. But misinformation plays a significant role when shaping people’s perception on vaping. It is marketed by many companies as a safer option to cigarettes, which is a serious misconception as vapes are simply a product of nicotine which is a carcinogen. According to the company Russell’s food and drink located on Sandy Row, they sell on “average 750/850 vapes a month”. With this striking number, a substantial amount of individuals continue to acquire vapes. A trend which is in urgent need of decline.
However, the concept of smoking has been around for centuries. Cigarettes were first introduced into the UK as early as the 1900s and only 60 years passed before it was discovered they were connected to the development of lung cancer. It took 60 years in order for accountability to be held for lives lost as a result of cigarette smoking. There are clear parallels between traditional smoking and the ‘vaping epidemic’ today. What is concerning is the length of time that will be taken before higher authorities act accordingly.
Many individuals who vape are not completely educated on the matter, but it would be 100% beneficial learning about the involved risks. Education is something which plays a crucial role in addressing the vaping epidemic. Education can range from schools, healthcare professionals, and public health campaigns that provide correct and accurate information about vaping and the dangers involved so that individuals can make an informed choice. Further efforts need to be made to disbar the idea that vaping is safer than the traditional way of smoking a cigarette.
If you are someone who wants to learn about the risks to vaping or take steps towards quitting, there are various platforms online. Trusted platform would on the NHS website – stop smoking. It gives you an outline of the risk and ways in which will help you quit successfully.
Edited By Ruby Hegarty
Cerys Platt is the Health and Lifestyler editor at The Scoop. She is a third year Politics student.