Flavored e-cigarette ads encourage children to vape: Study
The fact that the number of smokers in America has decreased over the years fails to bring a cheer because various studies have claimed that e-cigarettes have been gaining popularity among children and teens.
Experts say that of the numerous reasons responsible for pushing teens and children toward e-cigarettes, advertisements play an important role. A recent study conducted by the University of Cambridge has claimed that advertisements for flavored e-cigarettes can help in attracting children and teens to vape.
As part of the study, 598 school children were divided into three groups. One group was shown candy flavored e-cigarette advertisements, the second group watched advertisements for non-flavored e-cigarettes and the third group was not shown any ad. The first group was more interested and curious to try the e-cigarettes, compared to the other two, the study found.
“We’re cautiously optimistic from our results that e-cigarette ads don’t make tobacco smoking more attractive, but we’re concerned that ads for e-cigarettes with flavors that might appeal to school children could encourage them to try the products,”said Dr. Milica Vasiljevic from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge who led the research.
The researchers said that further study is required to understand the aftereffects of e-cigarette advertising. The study, which was published in the Tobacco Control, stresses on the need for regulations related to products to which children can be attracted.
Cherry-flavored vaping most harmful
Of all the flavors, cherry-flavored vaping is found to be the most harmful, says another recent study. According to a report on wmdt.com, the study conducted by the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in New York revealed that cherry e-cigarettes were associated with more possible health risks. The researchers said that cherry vaping contains benzaldehyde 43 times more than other flavors.
“Benzaldehyde is a chemical that’s typically found in pharmaceuticals, beauty supply and food. It is safe in small dosages on your skin or even consumed; however, prolonged use could lead to a number of health issues when the chemical compound is inhaled. It could cause different respiratory problems, like bronchitis,” said Carol Fenner, the Prevention Supervisor at the Wicomico County Health Departments.
However, a recent study from the Cambridge University in the U.K. can be good news for e-cigarette manufactures. According to a report on vaperanks.com, the study found no evidence that e-cigarette advertisements increase the interest of regular cigarettes in minors.
E-cigarettes and safety
Though the manufacturers of e-cigarettes marketed citing safety involved in it compared to tobacco smoking, in September 2008 the World Health Organization (WHO) asked the marketers to stop making claims that e-cigs are a “safe and effective smoking cessation aid” because there is “no scientific evidence to confirm the product’s safety and efficacy,” said a cnn.com report.
According to a 2015 report in techtimes.com, researchers from Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System found out that e-cigarettes damage human cells through the same process which can cause cancer and thus it cannot be considered safer than smoking tobacco. Another positive aspect related to e-cigarette highlighted for its sale was that it helped in quitting traditional smoking. But a recent study published in the journal Lancet Respiratory Medicine said that e-cigarettes do not help in giving up smoking and that it should not be recommended with this point in mind.
E-cigarettes have been a hit with not only teens and children but also adults. In the U.S., an estimated 12.6 percent adults use e-cigarettes and this number has been on a gradual rise even as the number of tobacco smokers has come down. According to November 2015 figures of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 16.8 percent adults smoked in 2014, compared to 25 percent adults who smoked in 1997. The CDC says that tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. and cigarette smoking kills over 480,000 Americans each year.
Getting rid of addiction
Now, many smokers have understood the ill effects of smoking as it affects the lungs, blood vessels and can be a cause for cancer and thus wish to quit smoking. Smoking often leads to other addictions, like substance abuse or prescription drug abuse. When people make an effort to quit smoking, almost all of them undergo withdrawal symptoms.
Recovery from addiction requires expert guidance, and at times rehabilitation too. Seek help now to break the chains of addiction. Call the 24/7 helpline of Sovereign Health Addiction Rehabilitation at 855-683-9756 to find out more about treatment options in your area.