A global systematic review has warned of the health implications for people who vape as well as the ‘new generation’ of e-cigarette users.
Researchers at the Australian National University concluded that vape users run the risk of developing numerous health problems rooted in ‘acute lung injury’.
The review reads: “Among smokers, there is moderate evidence that e-cigarettes increase heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness acutely after use.”
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The report also said that vaping could lead to poisoning, addiction, seizures and burns.
Lead author of the research, ANU's Emily Banks, said the review provides evidence of the effects of using nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes, as the risks have previously been relatively unknown.
She said in the report: “The evidence is there for some of the risks, but for most major health outcomes, like cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental illness, we don’t know what the impacts of e-cigarettes are.
“Their safety for these outcomes hasn’t been established.”
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Banks said that many young people vaping are also in danger of developing a smoking habit.
"Nicotine is a key ingredient and one of the most addictive substances known," she said.
"Young non-smokers who vape are around three times as likely to take up smoking than non-vapers."
But don’t be fooled by the fruity, confectionary packaging of vapes.
Banks said that although they appear less harmful than nicotine cigarettes, the health damage inflicted is just as concerning.
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"Young people are being sold a lie that e-cigarettes are just harmless water vapour," she said.
"They are not harmless water vapour. They contain a lot of chemicals and there's evidence that they're harmful to health."
Data from the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey also revealed that 11 per cent of Australians aged 14 and over had used e-cigarettes at least once, with 2 per cent of people vaping currently.
The survey also found that 5 per cent of people aged 18-24 had also used e-cigarettes at least once.
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The Cancer Council’s Public Health Committee Chair Anita Dessaix said the recent review published was the most insightful look into the health impacts of e-cigarettes yet.
“Every week we’re hearing growing community concern about e-cigarettes in schools, the health harms and the risks of smoking uptake among young people,” Dessaix said.
“A public health crisis is rapidly unfolding before our eyes."
She added: “These findings send a clear message to all governments: act now.”
Charisa Bossinakis