Page 13 - IFV Issue 4 May 2023

Today’s Child

VAPING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

BY NICOLENE DAVIES, DIRECTOR LIFE TALK FORUM

Vaping might seem cool or a better
alternative to smoking but recent
media reports are indicating that it

is essential that you educate yourself
and your teen on this and take note
of the increasing number of warnings
from medical professionals.

WHAT IS VAPING?
They go by various names – e-cigarettes, vapes, vaporisers. The liquid does not contain carbon monoxide, or
They are electronic devices which produce nicotine in a tobacco, nor does it produce tar, so the assumption is that
vapour rather than smoke. Inside the device is a cartridge it is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. However,
containing a liquid which can be refuelled. This liquid the problem is that because it is relatively new, research is
contains nicotine, (studies show the concentration can be limited and not much is known about the side effects. Many
three times higher than in cigarettes), various chemicals, people think it is a great way to stop smoking cigarettes and
oils and some flavouring and sometimes marijuana-based that it is safer, but mounting evidence is proving this not to
compounds (THC). The device heats the liquid, which be the case. Increasingly, there are reports of serious lung
results in the vapour, which is then inhaled. damage, frightening physical reactions and even death.

The Villager • Issue 4 2023 • 11