As the world commemorates the World Tobacco Day today (May 31), the focus is on tobacco smoking and the growing trendy phenomenon among the youth that is just as harmful as tobacco. The trend is known as vaping.
A study by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Lung Institute shows that around high 7,000 school learners vape. This includes 26.5% in Grade 12, 17.4% in Grade 11 and 13% in Grade 10. Grade 9 is at 10.8%, according to research conducted by the UCT’s Lung Institute.
This is despite the country having the Tobacco Products Control Act in place. The act prohibits youngsters from purchasing tobacco products or electronic delivery systems. Government is also trying to strengthen anti-tobacco laws, with the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill in the pipeline.
SA youth among high number of tobacco users
According to the study, in South Africa, 21.5% of young people aged 13 – 14 years are current tobacco users.
Natasha Swart, Oral Education Manager at Curaprox, a Swiss dental care products company, said vaping is the silent pandemic that parents need to be educated about.
Swart spoke to Sunday World as the world commemorates the World Tobacco Day on May 31. She said vapers are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
“Vaping, just like smoking cigarettes, is bad for your health despite it being marketed as a less harmful alternative. It’s important to understand that vaping devices deliver nicotine (found in e-liquid ingredients) via inhaled vapour. This is still a threat to your oral health.
“The side effects of vaping include dry mouth, increased plaque accumulation, gum inflammation or bleeding gums. Also sensitivity and teeth stains and discolouration,” said Swart.
Swart said the staggering numbers of tobacco usage among the youth is more concerning. This because research indicates that over 13% of non-communicable disease-related deaths are attributable to tobacco use. These are heart disease, stroke, diabetes and lung cancer in South Africa.
Warnings against smoking do not mention vaping
As the world will be commemorating World No Tobacco Day on Friday, it is critical to shed focus on e-cigarette regulations, said Swart.
Swart said: “While we urge parents to be vigilant when it comes to their children smoking and vaping at an early age, there is a bigger challenge that must be addressed from a regulatory perspective. The South African Tobacco Control Act of 1993 (amended 2008) does not cover the regulation of e-cigarettes.
“A 2021 South African study found that there is at least 240 vape shops in South Africa. A total of 39% were located within a 10km radius of a university or college campus. And 65.3% were located within a 20km radius of a university or college campus. It is available anywhere, anytime to anyone. Which makes this fight even more complex to tackle.”
