A 24-year-old writer has issued a stark warning to her generation, urging them to abandon vaping following a series of alarming developments. In a personal account, she describes trying vaping once at age 19 and finding it repulsive, but now argues that the habit poses urgent risks to health, safety, and the environment.
The resurgence of meningitis B has been linked to vape sharing among students at a Canterbury nightclub, with experts warning that exchanging saliva through shared devices can accelerate disease transmission. This comes as vaping remains prevalent among young people, raising concerns beyond lung damage.
A fire at Glasgow Central Station on 8 March, which threatened the historic building that survived two world wars, may have originated in a vape shop. Lithium-ion batteries in vapes are suspected of contributing to the blaze's intensity, highlighting fire risks associated with the devices.
Research published last year found that a third of UK teenagers who vape go on to start smoking, contradicting the notion that vapes are primarily cessation tools. Instead, they are described as a gateway to nicotine addiction, particularly for younger users.
The writer also cites personal and environmental concerns: vaping is unattractive, leaves unpleasant odours, creates litter from disposable plastics and batteries, and exposes non-users to second-hand vapour. She calls for urgent action, asking how much damage society is willing to tolerate before acting.
