CURRENTLY, vaping is popular among youths, primarily due to the various forms and colours of vape pens, which make them more appealing than cigarettes. Moreover, the wide range of flavours has contributed to a noticeable increase in vaping among young people and students in Myanmar. Many young people prefer vaping over cigarettes, mainly because they mistakenly believe it is less harmful.

The truth is that the dangers of vaping are significant. It is even more harmful than smoking, with numerous negative effects. Vaping involves inhaling vapour produced by an e-cigarette, which works by heating a liquid (E-liquid) in a handheld device like an e-cigarette or vape pen. This process produces a vapour that is then inhaled.

Smoking involves inhal­ing the smoke from burning tobacco leaves, while vaping is the act of inhaling vapour produced by heating e-liquid. Devices such as e-cigarettes or vape pens are used to va­pourize the e-liquid for inha­lation. E-liquid typically con­tains water vapour, flavouring agents, nicotine and propylene glycol or glycerin. E-cigarettes and vape pens release vapour containing over 4,000 harm­ful chemicals, including more than 40 substances known to cause cancer.

These chemicals can harm the heart and circu­latory system, damage the lungs, lead to tooth and oral health deterioration, and impair brain development. Despite these dangers, many teenagers use vape pens as a way to appear fashionable. Therefore, authorities must take effective action to prevent the widespread use of vapes in society.

E-cigarettes and vape pens emit vapour containing over 4,000 harmful chemicals, in­cluding more than 40 substances known to cause cancer. These chemicals can damage the heart and circulatory system, harm the lungs, contribute to tooth and oral decay, and negatively affect brain development. Both vaping and smoking are substances that can harm the health of users, offering no benefits to them.

Excessive use and trading of vapes and cigarettes beyond legal limits will result in legal consequences. Users will also ex­perience the negative health effects of these products, including oral and lung cancer, respiratory disorders, and nerve and vein issues. While these products may appear attractive or fashionable to users at first, they will ultimately lead to significant social and financial struggles for individuals and their families. The conse­quences of these harmful behaviours burden families and affect their well-being. Therefore, parents must guide their children toward healthier choices, and young people should avoid engaging in substance abuse.