The increase in the use of Mute In Mexico, it has raised public health alarms, particularly among teenagers and young adults. According to researcher Ana Beatriz Moreno Coutiño of the Faculty of Psychology from the UNAM and Guadalupe Ponciano Rodríguez from the Medical schoolquoted by UNAM GlobalThe country is faced with a worrying phenomenon: almost a million people aged 12 to 65 are currently using e-cigarettes, and around five million have tried them at least once. Even more worrying is that the average age of initiation is only 12, similar to traditional tobacco use.
The attractive design of these devices and the wide variety of flavors have led to rapid acceptance among the young population. However, there is something hidden behind this popularity increasing risk: the serious deterioration that vaping can cause to the body.
These devices produce an aerosol consisting of substances such as: Propylene glycol And vegetable glycerinwhich have a strong irritant effect when heated and can even be released Carcinogensas the formaldehyde.
COFEPRIS has already issued warnings about the discovery of highly dangerous substances in some e-cigarettes, such as: Vitamin E acetateassociated with severe lung injury reported in several countries. In addition, they warn that the values of nicotine The values present in many of these devices can be extremely high, which is not the only case increases the risk of addictionbut also promotes the development of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological diseases.
Damage to the body may occur irreversible with constant use. Repeated inhalation of chemical sprays causes chronic inflammation in the lungdeterioration of bronchi and reduced ability to supply oxygen to the body.
This increases the susceptibility to Respiratory diseasesimpairs the immune system and can cause permanent damage to lung tissue. These are other affected systems Cardiovascular systemwith increase in Blood pressure and increased risk of cardiac events and the reproductivewhere various compounds could alter fertility and hormonal balance.
Moreno Coutiño and Ponciano Rodríguez point out that the use of e-cigarettes is not only related to social factors, but also to psychological conditions such as: Anxiety and depressionwhich may increase the likelihood that young people will resort to these devices. Therefore, they recommend strengthening family support networks, promoting healthy activities and strengthening preventative education in early childhood.
In response to the rise of vaping in the country and its proven risks, the Senate of the Republic recently passed the reform of the law General health lawThe prohibits sales, distribution, advertising and marketing of vaping devices and electronic cigarettes throughout the national territory. The measure does not penalize consumption or personal possession, but increases sanctions against those who profit from these products, with the aim of stopping a market that is exploding at the expense of youth health.
The reform also expands the definition of electronic cigarettes to include any device capable of vaporizing toxic substances with or without nicotine. With this decision, authorities and experts want to close legal loopholes and protect the population, especially young people, from a product whose effects on the body can be profound, progressive and often irreversible.
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