By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A recent study has found that vaping has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarettes but has also emerged as a trendy habit among younger generations.
The study was done by Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit at University of Cape Town (UCT).
The report studied the vaping habits of over 5,500 high school students from several high-income schools and found that over 25% of matric learners use vaping devices.
Furthermore, almost 30% of respondents reported using their vaping device within an hour of waking, and almost a quarter cannot go through a school day without vaping.
According to The Sunday Times, several private and former model-C schools in the country are going to somewhat extreme lengths to bring vaping under control.
Schools have reported widespread use of vaping products by children, even during school hours, reportedly supported by their parents who purchase vapes and related products for the children as gifts.
In addition to a tougher stance and measures like using drug sniffer dogs to find devices, schools are also trying to educate teens about the potential harms of using such products by bringing in the experts to talk to learners – much like the ‘drug talks’ many speakers are already invited to give.
Vaping products are not covered by the Tobacco Products Control Act or the Medicines Act and are largely unregulated.
New legislation to regulate the industry is currently in the pipeline, with the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill currently being processed.
The vaping industry has tried to position itself as “not smoking” and wants to distance itself from harmful tobacco and cigarettes.
Vaping involves inhaling from a device that vaporizes liquid solutions that may contain nicotine and other substances. According to the UK’s NHS, health experts generally agree that vaping is far less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk-free.
Medical guidelines are that vaping is not recommended for non-smokers and young people as it can carry risks for healthy lungs. However, for smokers, it can be beneficial in helping them quit smoking.
The long-term effects of vaping on health remain untested, and the Department of Health has argued that the coming laws and push to clamp down on the industry are driven by the goal of protecting children from potential harm.