Vaping obtained a terrible reputation last year when quite a few young adults became ill after vaping. While it was later found that 98 percent of those who became ill did so after using illegal products, the media failed to share this information widely as they did with the illnesses and hospitalizations.
Today, experts speak of the dangers of vaping and the gateway effect. This refers to the likelihood that young adults who vape are more likely to begin smoking. However, two recent studies suggest that young adults who vape aren’t more likely to smoke. Why is this of importance?
What is the Gateway Effect?
Research studies show that vaping comes with fewer risks than tobacco products. In fact, countless individuals find they quit smoking for good with the help of vaping. Nevertheless, people continue to assume young adults who take up this habit move on to traditional cigarettes. In fact, some individuals in the past claimed adults who tried vaping would also move on to smoking at some point. They expressed concern that declining rates of smokers would increase again thanks to the introduction of these products. This led to many people being hesitant to ask for help finding vape deals.
The Meta-Analysis
Fortunately, science continues to advance, and those working in this field remain focused on this topic to get accurate information. Researchers in one study did a meta-analysis of the results from 17 previously conducted studies. They wanted to determine whether the use of e-cigarettes by young adults would encourage them to move to traditional tobacco cigarettes. They calculated an odds ratio for each of the studies they looked at, and every study they reviewed examined the link between the use of e-cigarettes and subsequent smoking.
Rohan Mathawan – TechStory – September 29, 2020.
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