Vaping prevention among youth
Global Trend and Public Health Challenge. The youth vaping epidemic is recognized as one of the most serious public health threats in recent years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that manufacturers of ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) use the same tactics as tobacco companies in the past: appealing flavors for youth, stylish design, and covert advertising on social media through bloggers and opinion leaders. This has led to an explosive increase in the popularity of these devices among adolescents, many of whom would never have smoked traditional cigarettes. The danger is exacerbated by the long-term unpredictability of health consequences, as mass consumption began relatively recently.
Statistics and Situation in the Republic of Belarus. According to data from the Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Public Health (RCHEPH), surveys conducted indicate a significant prevalence of ENDS use among Belarusian schoolchildren and students. For example, studies within the "Healthy Cities" program show that the percentage of students aged 14-17 who have experience with vaping is alarmingly high and continues to grow. Of particular concern is the fact that many adolescents and their parents do not perceive vapes as a serious threat, influenced by myths about their "harmlessness."
In the last decade, the global community has faced a new large-scale challenge in youth health protection – the rapid growth in popularity of ENDS, more commonly known as "vapes."
Aggressive marketing, positioning these devices as a "fashionable," "safe," and "technological" gadget, has led
to the formation of an entire subculture and an epidemic of their consumption among adolescents and young people.
- ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery system) – a device that converts liquid (e-cigarette liquid) into an aerosol for user inhalation. Contains nicotine;
- vape (from English "vapor") – a common name for ENDS. It is important to emphasize that it is not harmless "steam," as from boiling water, that is released, but an aerosol containing solid particles and chemical substances;
Composition of e-cigarette aerosol:
Nicotine – a highly toxic and psychoactive substance that causes strong addiction. It negatively affects the adolescent brain, leading
to impaired memory, concentration, and learning.
Propylene glycol and glycerin, when heated and evaporated, can form carcinogenic compounds (acrolein, formaldehyde) that irritate the respiratory tract.
Flavorings: many of them (especially diacetyl, associated
with "popcorn lung" disease – obliterative bronchiolitis) are toxic upon inhalation.
Heavy metals: particles of nickel, lead, tin, and chromium released from the heating element.
Medical and biological consequences of vaping for the adolescent body
Neurological consequences. The adolescent brain is actively forming synaptic connections. Nicotine disrupts this process: it reduces learning ability, impairs memory and concentration. It increases the risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression, and impulsive behavior. It forms a persistent addiction, with withdrawal symptoms in adolescents manifesting more acutely: irritability, anxiety, sleep problems.
Respiratory consequences. Chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, leading to persistent cough, shortness of breath, and increased frequency of respiratory infections.
EVALI: severe, potentially fatal lung damage. Symptoms: cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal upset, fever.
Increased risk of developing asthma and exacerbating existing asthma.
Cardiovascular effects. Nicotine causes blood vessel spasms, increases blood pressure and heart rate, thereby increasing the load on the heart. This creates a risk of early development of arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart attacks.
Dental and dermatological problems. Propylene glycol, by binding water, contributes to dry mouth (xerostomia), which promotes rapid bacterial growth, tooth decay, and gum disease. Vapor can cause skin irritation and dryness, and contribute to acne.
The "Gateway" Theory. Numerous studies prove that teenagers who use vapes are 3-4 times more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes in the future. Nicotine addiction formed by vaping and ritualized behavior create fertile ground for transitioning to more severe forms of tobacco consumption.
Socio-psychological Aspects
Reasons for Use:
- curiosity and the search for new sensations;
- peer pressure (direct and indirect): the desire to be accepted into a group where vaping is the norm;
- rebellion and demonstration of independence from adult rules;
- coping mechanism: an attempt to deal with stress, anxiety, boredom;
- illusion of "adulthood" and status.
Influence of the Digital Environment. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are overflowing with content where popular bloggers use vapes, creating an association between vaping and a successful, fashionable lifestyle. Hashtags, challenges, and viral videos are powerful tools for covert promotion.
Influence of Subculture. A specific slang has formed ("zaparit" - to vape, "parish?" - are you vaping?, "zhizha" - vape liquid), rituals (exchanging cartridges, discussing new flavors), and paraphernalia (device cases). Belonging to this subculture gives teenagers a sense of community and identity.
Signs and Prevention of Vaping Use
Signs of Use in Children:
- a sweet, fruity smell from clothes, hair, or in the room;
- unusual devices resembling flash drives or bright boxes;
- increased thirst and dry mouth (nicotine and propylene glycol are dehydrating);
- frequent dry cough;
- irritability, nervousness, especially if the teenager cannot "vape" for a long time.
Parent's Memo:
- be informed. Know what modern devices look like and what harm they cause;
- talk to your child, don't lecture. Ask for their opinion, what they think about vaping, and if they know about the consequences;
- teach your child to say "NO" to peer pressure;
- set a positive example. If you smoke, your prohibition for your child will not be convincing;
Classroom Prevention:
- Notice the signs of children using vapes;
- Demonstrate a negative attitude towards vaping through your personal example;
- Discuss the harms during lessons, for example, by debunking myths about vaping:
|
Myth |
Reality |
|
"Vaping is a safe alternative to regular cigarettes" |
It is not a safe alternative, but a different type of harm. Vaping carries its own, sometimes unique, health risks. The concept of "harm reduction" is not applicable to adolescents who have never smoked. |
|
"It's just harmless water vapor" |
The exhaled aerosol contains ultrafine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, as well as toxins and carcinogens. This is not water vapor. |
|
"Vaping helps quit smoking" |
For non-smoking adolescents, vaping is not a cessation tool but rather a "gateway" to nicotine addiction. Many studies refute the effectiveness of vaping as a long-term smoking cessation method. |
|
"Nicotine-free vaping is harmless" |
The aerosol from nicotine-free liquid still contains toxic flavorings and thermal decomposition products of glycerin and propylene glycol, which are harmful to the lungs and blood vessels. |
Thus, it can be argued that effective vaping prevention is not so much about combating a specific device as it is about the process of purposeful personality development. A personality that is informed and possesses scientific literacy to distinguish truth
from myth; thinks critically and is not swayed by advertising and social media manipulation; is psychologically resilient and capable of saying "no" while maintaining their place in the group; has clear life goals and values where there is no room for addiction; possesses internal resources and healthy alternatives for self-realization and stress management.
Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, 2025.