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Doctors in the UAE are sounding the alarm as more teenagers fall prey to the vaping epidemic, with many ending up in hospital emergency rooms with severe health issues.

A Growing Concern

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 37 million children aged 13-15 years use tobacco globally, with e-cigarette use exceeding that of adults in many countries. In the UAE, doctors are seeing children as young as 14 coming in with chronic cough, chest pain, and breathlessness due to e-cigarette smoking.

A Lethal Attraction

E-cigarette producers make their products more appealing to children by using designs that resemble toys and cartoon characters, and incorporating sleek, high-tech features in limited editions. Flavours and appealing smells also make e-cigarettes enticing to youngsters.

The Hidden Dangers

While e-cigarette producers promote their products as being “safer” than cigarettes, experts warn that they generate toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer and increase the risk of heart and lung disorders. Use of e-cigarettes can also affect brain development, potentially leading to learning and anxiety disorders for young people.

Open Conversations

Parents and schools play a crucial role in preventing children from smoking. Open, honest conversations about the health risks are essential. Parents should set a good example by avoiding smoking themselves, and schools should incorporate comprehensive education on the harms of e-cigarettes into their health curriculums.

By having open conversations and staying informed, we can help protect our children from the risks of vaping and e-cigarette addiction.