2023-04-16 09:22:58
Vaping is very common in the 18-24 age group. Its effects on health are the subject of much discussion. But what about the repercussions on non-smokers who rub shoulders with vaping enthusiasts? A 2017-2018 study indicates that 16% of adults in 12 European countries were exposed to e-cigarette aerosols indoors. Is the exhaled vapor toxic for the surroundings? Can we talk about the dangers of passive vaping?
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Is vaping in general dangerous for health? Many different, sometimes divergent, opinions are expressed. In 2019, theWorld Health Organization (WHO) describes electronic cigarettes as “unquestionably harmful“, good that “probably less toxic than cigarettes “. She considers that the vaper has not proven its effectiveness for smoking cessation. This position of the WHO is disputed by other health authorities. So theNational Academy of Pharmacy believes that the position of the WHO is incomprehensible, that the vapoteuse makes it possible to quit smoking and that it is less harmful than tobacco.
In 2021, the WHO reaffirms its rejection of electronic cigarettes. THE High Council for Public Health, in an opinion of January 4, 2022, judges that the vapoteuse should not be proposed as a means of smoking cessation by doctors, for lack of hindsight on its benefits and risks. Finally, in a communiqué of February 13, 2023, the National Committee against Smoking (CNCT) calls for a ban on flavorings (other than tobacco) in all devices that contain nicotine.
What are the risks associated with passive vaping?
The harmful effects of passive smoking are well known: increased risk of cancer, stroke, nasopharyngitis, ear infections, asthma attacks, respiratory infections. Is passive vaping as toxic as passive smoking? Smokers exhale not only nicotine, but also chemicals absorbed from their cigarettes, including electronic ones. There are aromas… as well as fine particles, various chemical compounds specific to e-cigarettes.
Levels of exhaled toxicants, although lower than tobacco, are described as a ” ambient air pollution “. The people around you are then at risk of inhaling these substances. A study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 on 2,097 California high school students, with an average age of 17, and shows that passive vaping can increase the risk of bronchial symptoms and shortness of breath. As a precautionary measure, it is best not to expose loved ones to passive vaping, especially children.
Some recommendations
In order to reduce passive vaping, it is recommended:
- avoid using the e-cigarette in a closed room (especially if it is a small space) and in the presence of young children;
- to ensure good ventilation if you vape indoors or to ventilate afterwards;
- not to vape in the car in the presence of non-smokers and children.
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