The Mexican Social Security Institute warns about the health risks associated with the excessive use of vapes and tobacco, within the framework of the national campaign against substance use promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum. Among the ailments caused by these practices are various types of cancer, strokes, and acute and chronic lung injuries.
According to the coordinator of Medical Programs at the IMSS, Dr. Pedro Hiram Saldívar Barreto, tobacco contains more than 7,000 chemical compounds, of which at least 250 are harmful and 70 are carcinogenic. The nicotine, glycerin, and flavorings present in vapes can release harmful toxins when heated. Excessive consumption of liquid nicotine can cause palpitations, chest pressure, and respiratory difficulties.
The risk of poisoning and lung injuries increases among young people, the main consumers of these devices. Additionally, the combined use of tobacco and vapes with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
The Mexican Social Security Institute alerts about the damage caused by the consumption of tobacco, vapes, and other substances such as marijuana. It is recommended that patients with diseases requiring anticoagulants or anxiolytics avoid consuming these substances to not risk their lives.
In December 2024, the Union Congress approved a reform to prohibit the production, distribution, and commercialization of vapes, as well as the illegal production of fentanyl. The main objective of the reform was to reduce the use of vapes among young people, against the false notion that they were a healthier alternative to tobacco. According to the 2022 National Health and Nutrition Survey, over half a million young people aged 10 to 19 use e-cigarettes.
