Threatened for the health of teenagers: why worships

A strong increase in young people

The vapus, presented for a long time as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, has had a growing success among teenagers.

According to the WHO, between 5.5 % and 41 % of 15-16 years old children consume electronic cigarettes in Europe today (for example, 5.5 % in Serbia against 41 % in Munich).

A figure considered “alarming” by the organization, who warns aggressive marketing strategies aimed at minors: sweet aromas, colored packaging and campaigns on social networks.

A “gateway” effect for confirmed tobacco

The study published in Tobacco control Collect more than 50 scientific journals and the results are clear: the young people who have vapotes are more likely to try traditional cigarettes than those who do not touch the electronic cigarette.

The researchers speak of a “gateway” effect (gateway effect) which is not just correlation, but suggests a real causal relationship. In other words, far from keeping young people away from tobacco, the vapus approaches him dangerously.

Increase in risks to physical health

Beyond tobacco, the vapus is associated with other risky behaviors. Electronic cigarette teenagers have a risk multiplied by 4 to 6 to consume alcohol or cannabis on a regular basis.

In terms of respiratory health, the link with asthma is now well consolidated: +20 % to +36 % risk of developing the disease and a risk of up to +44 % of aggravation of crises. The researchers also report more chronic cough, bronchitis and even cases of pneumonia.

More spectacular accidents are also identified, such as explosions of devices that cause burns to the face and hands. Rarely but worrying: some studies indicate a drop in the number of spermatozoa in young vapers, as well as oral damage (bleeding of the gums, drought of the mouth, broken teeth).

A worrying psychological impact

The report also highlights the consequences on mental health. Several magazines highlight an increase in suicide ideas and depressive behavior in young vapers. A teenager who uses the electronic cigarette would have up to six times more likely to take the suicidal act than his non -consumption.

The researchers note a solid association between nicotine and psychological impact: nicotine acts on the cerebral circuits of the reward and the regulation of mood, which it can promote dependence, anxiety and depressive vulnerabilitythus increasing the risk of suicide ideas.

Sleep disorders and the most marked anxiety are also part of the documented effects.

Public policies called to evolve

Faced with these results, researchers support hardening of public health policies. Limiting the sale to minors is not enough, they warn: it is also necessary to supervise the advertising, to prohibit the aromas that attract the youngest and perform clear information campaigns for families.

For parents, supervision is required. Behind the “funny” image and the marketing promises, the vapus exposes adolescents to early dependence on nicotine and on the health risks that accumulate constantly during research.