Young people ignorant of vaping risks, survey finds

Some people think e-cigarettes can help them get off of tobacco.

Young people ignorant of vaping risks, survey finds
The Customs Department displayed seized electronic cigarettes and related goods for 72 million baht before being destroyed on February 25, 2023. ( File photo )

More than 60 % of young people in the nation believe e-cigarettes can help them stop smoking regular smokes, while more than 50 % believe smoking is a good material, according to a survey.

According to Dr. Sura Wisetsak, director general of the Department of Health Service Support ( DHSS), the survey of 40, 164 people aged between 6 and 30 was conducted between May 1 and May 27 to learn more about their knowledge of e-cigarettes and vaping behavior.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ), the Thailand Youth Institute, and the department’s Health Education Division all worked together to promote it.

The results showed that 18 % of respondents smoked electronic- smokes, and that most of the respondents harboured some misconceptions about electronic- cigarettes.

Some 61 % believed that vaping could help wean them off traditional tobacco products, 51 % deemed nicotine healthy, 50 % viewed vapes as being safer than regular cigarettes, 26 % thought vapes did not contain nicotine, 23 % believed vapes are legal, and 12 % assumed the vapour produced by vaping is safe.

Dr. Sura said this demonstrated how uninformed many younger persons are about the negative effects of smoking.

He said the DHSS has assigned GEN- H Health Hero, a system of adolescent health volunteers, to create awareness of the dangers posed by e- cigarettes among younger people, and to distribute information to help alleviate misconceptions.

In a related development, Surat Thani authorities announced the arrest of 8 million baht worth of tobacco and vapes that were being delivered from Hat Yai to Bangkok.

On Highway 41 in the Tha Chang city of Surat Thani, customs officers who had received a tip-off about the sale intercepted it.

The car, which had a Thailand Post brand on its edges, was carrying 996, 340 illegal cigarettes and 3, 863 electronic- cigarettes and liquids for 8 million baht in full.

The auto began its journey at a post company in Hat Yai, said specialists, who are continuing their research.