Gen Z and Vaping

History of Vapes

Gen Z and Vaping: A Dangerous Affair in 2024:-The concept of vaping has been around for thousands of years, with the Egyptians using water vapors and thermal baths for cosmetic purposes. However, the modern history of vaping has its origins in ancient times. The first who came up with the idea of an e-cigarette is Joseph Robinson in 1927 But it was in 1963 when Herbert Gilbert and his “smokeless non-tobacco cigarette” made vaping popular. The Chinese firm Hon Lik made the first modern e-cig in the mid-2000s.

Usage of Vapes

Gen Z and Vaping: A Dangerous Affair in 2024:-Vaping is when you use a small, handheld device (like e-cigarettes, vape pens or mods) to inhale a mist of nicotine and flavoring (e-liquid). It’s similar to smoking a cigarette, but vaping heats tiny particles out of a liquid rather than burning tobacco. Vapes come in many shapes and sizes and can be made to look like everyday items including highlighters, pens, or USB memory sticks

 

Health Effects of Vapes

Vaping is often thought of as safer than cigarette smoking, but vaping causes health problems, too. Both vaping and smoking are addictive and bring potentially dangerous chemicals into your body⁶. The particles you inhale while vaping can cause inflammation (swelling) and irritation in your lungs. Nicotine is the primary agent in regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack.

Gen Z and Vaping: A Dangerous Affair in 2024:Vape Usage in India

• A cross-sectional survey of 3000 vapers in eight Indian cities found that the majority (80%) were first exposed to nicotine via tobacco smoking.
• In 2019, the sales volume of electronic cigarettes in India reached over three million units.
• However, e-cigarettes are currently being used by only a very small proportion of Indians. The 2015 GATS-2 estimated that the prevalence of use was 0.02% (268,000 users).

Vape Usage in the U.S.

• As of 2020, 3.7% or 9.1 million American adults have used e-cigarettes.
• E-cigarette use is higher in men at 4.6%, than in women at 2.8%.
• 7.6% of teens and 9.4% of young adults (18 to 24) use vapes and e-cigarettes, compared to 0.6% of adults above 65 years old.
• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, roughly one in seven high school students in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, as of 2022. This equates to 2.14 million young people nationwide.

Please note that these statistics are subject to change as new data becomes available. It’s also important to remember that vaping can have serious health consequences, especially for young people.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is vaping?
   Vaping is the act of inhaling a vaporized liquid from an electronic device. The vapor commonly contains nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals.
2. Who invented vaping?
   The first who came up with the idea of an e-cigarette is Joseph Robinson in 1927. But it was in 1963 when Herbert Gilbert and his “smokeless non-tobacco cigarette” made vaping popular.
3. Is vaping safe?
   While vaping is often thought of as safer than cigarette smoking, it still poses health risks. The particles you inhale while vaping can cause inflammation and irritation in your lungs.
4. Is vaping addictive?
   Yes, most vapes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.
5. Is vaping healthier than cigarettes?
   While some may claim vaping is less dangerous than traditional cigarettes, that doesn’t mean that vaping is safe. Both vaping and smoking bring potentially dangerous chemicals into your body.
6. Does vaping give off secondhand smoke?
   No, vaping does not produce secondhand smoke like traditional cigarettes. However, the aerosol produced by vapes can still contain harmful substances.
7. Can you take vapes on a plane?
   Yes, vapes can be taken on a plane, but only in carry-on baggage. They are not allowed in checked bags.
8. Do vapes have calories?
   Yes, vapes do contain a negligible amount of calories, primarily due to propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), both caloric substances.
9. Do vapes have nicotine?
   Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is the addictive drug in regular cigarettes.
10. Do vapes cause cancer?
    While there is no definitive evidence that vaping causes cancer, it may increase your overall risk for cancer.
11. Do vapes have sugar?
    No, there is no sugar in vape juices. The sweetness in e-liquids comes from artificial sweeteners.
12. Do vapes contain tar?
    No, vapes do not contain tar, which is a harmful substance found in traditional cigarettes.
13. Do vapes help quit smoking?
    Yes, nicotine vapes are one of the most effective aids to quit smoking.
14. Do vapes explode?
    Yes, vapes can explode, especially if the vape batteries begin to overheat.
15. Do vapes expire?
    Yes, like most consumer products, vapes can expire. Most vapes will last one to two years after production.
16. Do vapes smell like cigarettes?
    No, vapes do not smell like cigarettes. The scent of vapes usually reflects the flavor of the e-liquid used.
17. Do vapes harm lungs?
    While vaping is less harmful than smoking, it’s not risk-free. There have been cases of lung injuries associated with vaping.
18. Do metal detectors detect vapes?
    Metal detectors can detect vapes as they contain metal components. However, the detection can depend on the sensitivity of the detector and the size and composition of the vape.
19. Do gas stations sell vapes?
    Yes, many gas stations do sell vapes, but the availability can vary depending on the location and local regulations.
20. Do disposable vapes expire?
    Yes, disposable vapes can expire. Most disposable vapes will last one to two years after production.

These FAQs aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of vaping, its history, usage, and effects on health. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.