The use of vape or e-cigarettes has been on the rise in recent years, and while many users believe that it is a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, the truth is that vaping comes with its own set of health hazards.
One of the main dangers of vaping is the potential for addiction to nicotine. Many e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Studies have shown that nicotine addiction can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and respiratory problems.
In addition to the addiction risk, vaping can also cause a range of immediate health effects. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains a mix of chemicals, including harmful substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. These chemicals can irritate the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Some people may also experience headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Furthermore, there is growing evidence that vaping can cause long-term damage to the lungs. A recent study found that people who vape are more likely to develop chronic lung disease than those who do not use e-cigarettes. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as people with lung disease are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
Despite these risks, some governments, including Malaysia, have considered loosening regulations on nicotine in vape products. This is a concerning trend, as it would likely lead to an increase in the use of e-cigarettes and could have severe consequences for public health.
Since the Malaysian government decided that nicotine in vape should face less regulation, it would likely result in more people taking up vaping, including young people who are particularly vulnerable to addiction. This could lead to a new generation of nicotine addicts who may go on to develop serious health problems, further burdening the already overcrowded healthcare system in Malaysia.
Many cases recorded around the world have shown that the use of e-cigarettes or vaping poses significant health risks, and it is essential that governments take steps to protect public health by regulating these products. If the Malaysian government were to loosen regulations on nicotine in vape products, it could have severe consequences for public health in the very near future, including an increase in addiction, respiratory problems, and chronic lung disease.
It is extremely critical that the Ministry of Health Malaysia and the Health Minister, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa continue to monitor the use of e-cigarettes and take action to protect public health instead of removing the liquid nicotine used in vapes and e-cigarettes from the Poisons List under the Poisons Act 1952 (of controlled substances) in order to enable taxation in e-liquids.
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