Vaping is the inhaling of a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, better known as an e-cigarette. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices containing cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavourings and chemicals. This liquid is heated into a vapour and is then inhaled by the user, hence the term “vaping."
Vaping puts nicotine into the body and is highly addictive. It is still unknown what the long-term effects are of vaping, but short-term we do know that it can slow down brain development in kids and teens. This can then affect their memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention and mood. E-cigarettes also irritate and damage the lungs and can entice the use of other forms of tobacco, such as cigarettes.
For further information from the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation New Zealand, please click here
If you would like to view the article mentioned in this Special Report written by Guyon Espinor for Radio New Zealand, please click here