Today, I read about e-cigarettes or vaping associated lung injury (EVALI) at the news. According to Khairy Jamaluddin, the health ministry caretaker, there have been four suspected cases of EVALI in Malaysia so far this year. In 2019, there were two cases, and in 2021, there were eight.
Let's learn more about E-Cigarettes or Vaping Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)
The use of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping is becoming increasingly popular among Malaysians.
The popularity of e-cigarette or vape culture can be attributed to the belief that it is a healthier alternative to conventional tobacco smoking.
The growing popularity of e-cigarette has been accompanied by a rise in the number of vape shops and cafes selling such devices throughout Malaysia.
Vaping has also gained popularity with young people, since it is considered an alternative way to socialise with peers and friends.
However, it comes as no surprise that there are many concerns about the safety of e-cig usage in Malaysia.
Since there are still no conclusive studies on its impact on users, not everyone agrees that vaping is safe for our health. Here’s what you need to know about e-cigarettes or vaping in Malaysia:
What is E-Cigarettes or Vaping Associated Lung Injury?
Vaping is the use of electronic cigarettes, which are devices that produce an aerosol by heating a liquid, forming a vapour that can then be inhaled.
Vaping is popular with both smokers and non-smokers as a less harmful alternative to tobacco smoking.
However, vaping is not risk-free and has been linked to lung injury.
People who vape may experience a number of side effects, including coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain.
Vaping and its impact on our lungs
Vaping on e-cigarettes was linked to a rise in the number of reports of lung injury caused by vaping.
Among the cases of lung injury were pulmonary haemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs), pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) and even pneumonia.
Pulmonary haemorrhage is usually caused by trauma or inhalation of a foreign object.
Experts suspected that the pulmonary haemorrhage may be caused by vaping because of the presence of a foreign substance in the lungs.
Besides pulmonary haemorrhage, vaping could also cause pneumonitis, which is inflammation of the lungs.
Unlike pulmonary haemorrhage, pneumonitis could be caused by viruses, bacteria or even chemical irritants. Vaping could also cause pneumonia, an infection that inflames the lungs and fills them with fluid.
Vaping could cause pneumonia due to the presence of bacteria and fungi in the vaping liquid.
Increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among youths
The increasing popularity of e-cigarettes among youths is another worrying trend. Recent reports suggested that vaping was becoming more popular among youths and was displacing the use of tobacco products among teens.
In a survey, experts found that many teens were using e-cigarettes or vaping daily. (Source: The New York Times)
Experts are concerned that teens are being drawn to e-cigarettes due to the flavoured liquids used in vaping, as well as the perception that they are safer than tobacco products.
However, experts have found that e-cigarettes are not safe, particularly for teens.
Studies have found that e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals, and other toxic substances that are linked to health problems. (Source: Tobacco Induce Deseases)
Another concern is that teens who vape may be more likely to smoke tobacco products later in life. (Source: ABC News)