I am smoke-free youth ambassador for Lingnan Dr Chung Wing Kwong Memorial Secondary School, and I am concerned about the upsurge in secondary school students using electronic cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are growing in popularity among youths. A survey conducted by the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health found that the rate of people aged 15 to 29 using e-cigarettes was higher (4.4 per cent) than people aged 30 or above (1 per cent). This sends an alarming signal.
E-cigarette manufacturers, say e-cigarettes are non-addictive and an aid for smoking cessation. But scientific research has shown they contain toxic chemical substances such as propylene glycol and glycerine and carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
In addition, a survey conducted by the school of public health at the University of Hong Kong found that e-cigarette users were more likely to have respiratory problems. Teenager's health will, in all likelihood, be affected.
Manufacturers continue to use clever marketing to obscure the risk posed by use of e-cigarettes. Resembling the marketing strategies of traditional cigarettes in the past, e-cigarettes are promoted through multiple channels. Celebrities are invited to be spokespeople for these products, and social media are utilised extensively to promote them to our youth.
Moreover, flavours, designs and packaging are diverse. Distinctive flavours are the main selling point, encompassing fruits, soft drinks and tobacco. So why can adolescents purchase e-cigarettes so easily?