SINGAPORE — When Henry first started using electronic vapourisers, or vapes, back in 2020, it was because it “seemed easier to hide” and “tasted better” than normal cigarettes.
While the 28-year-old was already a smoker, the Covid-19 measures imposed then meant that he had to stay at home most of the time, in close proximity with his family.
The handheld battery powered device, which looks like a highlighter pen or pod, works by inserting a pod of vaping liquid into it, which comes in a variety of different flavours. indications are that the practice has been growing in popularity over the past few years, particularly among youths. With vaping, she did not have these issues, as there was virtually no smell left behind by the vapour, and the small device was easy to conceal.
The university student said that he had observed that vaping was getting more popular in Singapore, with more of his peers doing it and more online channels popping up, such as on Telegram where vape products were being sold. Agreeing with this approach, vapers whom TODAY spoke to say that legalising vaping while regulating it is a move worth considering, as it could encourage more responsible vaping through setting a minimum age, as well as allowing only certain"healthier” vape products to be sold.
“Legalising vaping is something I would not advocate as it can lead to greater take up rate of vaping usage”, said Mr Saktiandi Supaat, an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency . “I don’t believe it is a healthier outlet,” said Henry. “My mindset is that I’m not a heavy vaper, so it can’t be that unhealthy.”
A study by researchers from Johns Hopkins University in 2021 found that vaping aerosols contain thousands of unknown chemicals and substances not disclosed by manufacturers, including industrial chemicals and caffeine. Mr Ang added that since there is no regulation on vaping products, it is not known what the contents of the vaping pods are.
The chemical predisposes them to cognitive impairments such as “problems with attention and memory as well as behavioural and emotional problems later on such as depression and anxiety disorders”, Dr Low added.With the long-term health effects of vaping still not fully understood, the vapers whom TODAY spoke to all agreed that vaping in general could be detrimental to their health, but were split about whether vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes.
In response to a parliamentary question in February on the effectiveness of enforcement against vape users and distributors, the Ministry of Health said that there has been a “worrying trend” in the increasing use of e-vapourisers both locally and globally, and that MOH is closely monitoring the use of vapes and reviewing the strategy against vaping.
Those who are caught purchasing, using or owning an electronic vapouriser can be fined up to S$2,000 per offence.While vapers like Henry and Sarah mentioned factors such as ease of access and concealability, many others cited the relatively cheaper cost of vaping as the main reason for their habit. He recalled that when he started vaping seven years ago, vaping products were hard to come by, and one box of three pods could cost as much as S$30. But the price has since gone down threefold.And the reason vapes are getting cheaper is partly due to the inflow of vape products from overseas.
He added that the most common occasion to vape is during drinking sessions, even in public bars and clubs, as well as when they are hanging out at one another’s homes.“There’s a reason why more people are vaping, it’s trending, people on TikTok do all those tricks,” said Sarah. This is because the vapes are marketed with “many enticing flavours and sleek pen designs that present the young user with a cool, trendy image”.
Another vaper, who is in his 20s and works in the events industry, noted that when the ban was imposed in 2018, he was not even aware of it, as nothing seemed to have changed. “In addition, it is essential to adopt a combination of enforcement measures, education, and support from family and friends for those trying to quit vaping,” he said.
In a response to a Parliamentary question asked by Dr Wan Rizal in February on what measures have been put in place by schools and institutes of higher learning to address the issue of students vaping, MOE said that it works with HSA and the Health Promotion Board to educate students on the harmful effects of using imitation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes.
“I imagine a scenario where vape prices are regulated, and everyone is as informed about it properly through education as we were with cigarettes when growing up; addressing the matter instead of avoiding it now,” he said.
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