Youth Vaping Rises, Health Risks Increase UK, South Africa, Singapore

Vaping is increasingly popular worldwide, especially among youth, but health experts warn of serious risks including lung damage, increased anxiety, and potential irreversible harm to the brain and heart. Despite being marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vaping can lead to addiction and significant financial costs. Governments are responding with regulations such as bans on sales to minors and disposable vapes, alongside awareness campaigns to curb youth usage. Some users, like one individual who initially found vaping helpful to quit smoking, later experienced increased dependency and sought specialized cessation programs. In countries like Sri Lanka, the legality and regulation of vaping remain unclear, with concerns about vapes being used to consume synthetic drugs, prompting calls for vigilance and stricter enforcement. Overall, the balance between individual choice and public health protection is at the center of ongoing debates about vaping policies.