#kickthevape
Background
In Ireland over recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of adults and young people using e-cigarettes/vapes. This increase has been a concern in communities
nationally and also within our local communities across Clondalkin and Tallaght.
What is an e-cigarette/vape?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices also known as vapes that heat liquid to produce aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. The liquid that creates the aerosol often contains nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals. The use of e-cigarettes is often known as ‘vaping’.
- Vapes consist of a battery, a heating element or coil, and a cartridge which usually contains nicotine and a series of other chemical solutions, water and flavourings. When the user inhales, the battery heats the element and this produces the vapour.
- While it is difficult to know exactly what is contained in vapes, we do know they contain harmful substances including:
- Nicotine – Highly Addictive Substance
- Volatile Organic Compounds – these are usually human-made chemicals.
- Ultrafine Particles – which can penetrate into the lungs and cause damage.
- Heavy Metals – like Nickel, Tin and Lead.
Cancer Causing Chemicals
Unlike tobacco, vapes do not contain carbon monoxide, however they do contain nicotine and other chemicals which can be harmful and addictive. Although vapes may be less harmful than smoking tobacco, they are not harm free.
What are the health risks of vaping?
The safety and health effects of vapes have not been thoroughly assessed or monitored over a long period of time. It is currently recommended that they should not be used.
- Nicotine Dependence – Withdrawal from nicotine can cause inability to control impulses, mood swings and difficulty concentrating.
- Poisoning and Burns/ Blast injuries
- Lung injury/ Asthmatic attacks – Vaping can worsen lung health and lead to exacerbation of asthma.
- Other Risks – As well as health risks, vaping imposes risks to the environment and your finances.
The majority of products are loaded with nicotine, are single use and contain a series of materials including nicotine salts, plastics, heavy metals and lithium batteries. Many of these components are non-biodegradable and can cause serious harms to our environment, water supplies and wildlife.
Vapes are consumer products and most brands are financed by the tobacco industry.
Vapes have been cleverly marketed to make them appealing to children and young people. This includes the use of colours and flavourings used to promote vaping, colours tend to be bright and vibrant and flavourings sweet and fruity.
Resources:
- You can visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/tobaccocontrol/resources/e-cigarette-resources.html for HSE vaping resources.