The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to combating tobacco use among Nigerian youngsters.
Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of
Gloria was a happy-go-lucky teenager who had just turned 18. She was excited about starting college the following year and had plans of becoming a doctor. However, her life took a turn for the worse when she started vaping.
Gloria had heard that vaping was a safer option compared to smoking, and she believed it. She started vaping with her friends and soon became addicted to it. She spent all her savings on buying vaping devices and e-liquids, and she even started skipping classes to vape throughout the day. Gloria was oblivious to the health hazards of vaping until she was diagnosed with a severe lung infection.
Her doctors attributed her illness to vaping, and Gloria was devastated. She had never imagined that vaping could be dangerous, especially because it was marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. She was faced with a harsh reality, vaping is not safe. Many people, like Gloria, have suffered serious health hazards due to vaping.
Vaping has become a trendy alternative to smoking, especially among young people. It is marketed as a safer option compared to smoking, and many people believe this to be true. However, there is substantial evidence that vaping has severe health hazards. Some of these health hazards include;
1. Respiratory Problems
Vaping has been linked to respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and wheezing. When people inhale the vapors from e-cigarettes, they expose their lungs to harmful chemicals, such as nicotine and formaldehyde. These chemicals can cause significant damage to the lungs, leading to breathing problems, lung infections, and even lung cancer.
2. Cardiovascular Problems
Vaping can cause cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. The nicotine found in e-cigarettes can elevate blood pressure, leading to serious heart problems. Furthermore, the chemicals found in e-cigarettes, such as propylene glycol, can cause inflammation, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
3. Nicotine Poisoning
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in e-cigarettes. When a person inhales e-cigarette vapors, they are exposed to a high dose of nicotine, which can lead to nicotine poisoning. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, seizures, and even death. This is especially dangerous for children, who are more susceptible to nicotine poisoning due to their small body size.
4. Oral Health Problems
E-cigarettes can cause significant oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. When people inhale the vapors from e-cigarettes, they expose their mouths to harmful chemicals that can cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and bad breath. Furthermore, the high temperature of the vapors can damage the teeth and gums, leading to tooth sensitivity and other oral health problems.
5. Chemical Exposure
E-cigarettes contain a variety of chemical substances such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings. These chemicals can break down into harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures, leading to toxic chemical exposure. This toxic exposure can cause significant damage to the body, leading to chronic health problems.
6. Mental Health Problems
Vaping can cause significant mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and people who use e-cigarettes can become addicted to nicotine. This addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression when a person tries to quit vaping.
In conclusion, vaping is a deadly addiction that has severe health hazards. It is marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but the truth is, it is not safe. Gloria’s story is just one example of the devastating effects of vaping. Many people have suffered serious health problems due to vaping, and it is high time we start taking this issue seriously.
It is essential to educate people on the dangers of vaping and discourage its use, especially among young people. Government agencies should regulate e-cigarettes and ban them for sale to minors. Moreover, there should be strict regulations on marketing e-cigarettes, especially to young people.
If you are struggling with vaping addiction, seek help today. Talk to your doctor or reach out to support groups. Vaping has negative long-term health consequences, and it is in your best interest to quit. You can lead a healthy life without vaping, and it’s high time we all realize this.
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