Bells alarm danger; is it not time to listen to experts?

Smoking is the most common cause behind non-communicable diseases. The toxic fumes’ role behind serious non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and lung diseases among others are research-backed facts.

Despite the availability of a wide array of research on the topic, the number of school students and youth falling victim to using vapes, pods and e-cigarettes – often associated with being “cool” among individuals of these age groups – is alarmingly high.

Moreover, they are fed false information on vaping via social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. In this regard, vaping is often described as a “healthier” alternative to smoking; although not beneficial, not as harmful

Dangers of vaping are just as pertinent

A lot of people turn to vaping with the intention of stopping smoking or for a cheaper alternative.

However, switching vape can lead to increase the abuse of nicotine, an addictive chemical in tobacco. Cigarette users can identify how much they are smoking on a daily basis, or a monthly basis based on how the number of cigarettes remaining in the box. However, it is not easy to estimate the extent to which e-cigarettes or vapes are used as the only indication is when the cartridge of the device, containing the vaping liquid, runs out.

At present, vape flavors are abundant in the market. However, one if not often aware of the dangerous substances they are inhaling with the vaping liquid as it does not specify the details of all the substances mixed in.

World Health Organization (WHO) has declared vapes and e-cigarettes as products containing tobacco. Tobacco contains thousands of chemicals and 250 toxins, 70 of which are known to cause cancer.

Dr. Fathimath Shara Shareef, an executive committee member of Maldives Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Alliance – an alliance of non-profit organizations jointly working towards the cause of NCD control in the Maldives – nicotine contained in vaping liquid has an adverse effect on all vital organs in the body. As such, nicotine subjects the user to an increased risk of NCDs such as atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, kidney and heart diseases among other things.

Moreover, nicotine leads to increased use of vape and addiction due to its addictive nature.

“While nicotine is a chemical that causes high blood pressure – high blood pressure puts the body at risk of many health complications. A 2021 study by the American Cancer Society shows that vape use is among the 15 percent risk factors for lung cancer,” Dr. Shara explained.

Alarmingly high number of children using vape

It is not only concerning that a large number of the Maldivian population uses vape, pods and e-cigarettes, but it is more concerning that there is an alarming number of children falling victim to the harmful habit. Research shows that school children of both genders use devices such as uses vape, pods and e-cigarettes.

In this regard, a 2019 survey by the Health Protection Agency shows that 17.1 percent of children between the ages of 13 and 15 use vape, pods or e-cigarettes.

Experts in the field estimate that school children using vape, pods or e-cigarettes have doubled or tripled as of present in comparison to the 2019’s statistics.

Parents believe vaping has many adverse side effects on children. Some parents have reported issues such as excessive anger and aggression. While today’s young generation is tomorrow's future. They must be saved from the plague that is vaping before a generation is destroyed.

Awareness should be raised regarding the harms of vaping

NCD Alliance’s founder Aminath Shirhina said some parents are okay with children vaping in case they may opt for cigarettes. She underscored that many actions fail to take action despite their children vaping as they are not truly aware of the dangers of vaping.

Notably, Education Ministry has recently launched a series of meetings aimed at meeting with senior officials and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) from schools nationwide to discuss concerns surrounding the bad habit of vaping among students and increasing awareness on the matter. It is crucial that such meetings a leveraged to educate parents on the dangers of vaping.

“Our appeal is to let us know if you have any concerns. To talk about this. To express your opinion on it. It is already far too late. Our children cannot be saved without a swift resolution on the matter,” Shirhan stressed.

The solution is to ban vape

The future of the nation is at stake if our young generation is addicted to such a dangerous habit. There will be no healthy people to develop and care for the nation. Thus, no matter who it angers, the import of vape and other tobacco products needs to be banned.

There is no reason why a small nation such as the Maldives cannot enforce such a ban while much larger nations from neighboring South Asia, South East Asia, South America and the Middle East have banned vaping. In this regard, vaping is illegal across 47 nations.

Various local have recently called to ban products containing tobacco, especially vape and e-cigarettes.  

They include Maldives Medical Association, comprising of doctors, and NCD Alliance that have called for swift action to ban vape and e-cigarettes in the Maldives.

Notably, NCD Alliance has sent a letter to the President, requesting the ban and seeking a meeting regarding the matter.

No matter who it angers, the future can only be protected by stringent action. The import of these products and businesses that profit from them should be immediately stopped. It is not a matter of choice but a must.