Despite being banned in Singapore, vaping continues to pose serious health risks, particularly among youths. We break down its harmful effects, debunk common myths and highlight tips to live a vape-free life.

By Ms Bavisha Assodani, CGH 

What is vaping?

Over the past couple of years, the use of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, vaporisers or vapes, has grown despite the ban on their import, sale and distribution, as well as purchase, use and possession in Singapore. While they may look sleek and smell sweet, vapes are far from harmless.

“The aerosol inhaled can contain various chemicals, like formaldehyde, which are found in industrial cleaning products. The additives that make vapes smell good can scar the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses over time,” says Dr Chew Wui Mei, Consultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changi General Hospital.

As e-liquids and their nicotine levels are unregulated, users are at risk of nicotine poisoning when they use e-cigarettes and vaporisers. Some symptoms of nicotine poisoning include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and slowing of the heart and breathing rate. Nicotine is also associated with insulin resistance or prediabetes, which increases the risk for type 2 diabetes.

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Clearing the air around vape myths

“Vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes”

FACT: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that vapes are harmful and no safer than regular cigarettes. As e-cigarettes are relatively new products, many long-term health effects of vaping are still unknown. But studies have shown that vaping produces toxic substances, some of which are known to cause cancer or damage your heart and lungs.

“Vaping only affects my lungs”

FACT: In addition to the lungs, vaping affects the brain. Nicotine tricks the brain’s reward system, triggering cravings and dependence. The longer you vape, the harder it gets to think clearly, focus and stay in control.

“I will feel worse after quitting”

FACT:Withdrawal symptoms are only temporary, as your body is in the process of healing itself. Get to know the signs and symptoms that you are on the road to recovery. 9.1.html 9.2.html