Thoughts from a former smoker

WE seem to live in a constant haze of issues. From the hazardous haze that travelled to our respiratory system all the way from the burning forests of Indonesia, to whether e-cigarettes or vapes are more dangerous than lighting up the traditional cigarette.

Calls to ban vaping, declaring it ‘unclean’ or haram, the argument that it is more likely to kill you than smoking cigarettes, to arguments of staunch vapers that e-cigarettes are not as harmful as traditional cigarettes, have been dominating the print and online media lately.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has been constant in its stand in recommending bans on vapes and e-cigarettes. They have gotten the support of many parties, including the Malaysia Consumers Movement.

And the question, “Why not ban real cigarettes too?” comes up.

Let this former smoker share two sen on smoking and vaping. It has been close to eight years since the Eye quit the habit as a social smoker and a stress smoker.

Any attempt to savour in a cigarette after going clean would lead to repercussions which included nausea, tummy upset, gagging and headaches. Similar reactions would also take place when exposed to cigarette smoke in an enclosed area.

And then came along the vapers. Apparently, there are solutions or ‘juice’ that they can add to their vapes to make even more smoke. Stuff that comes with fancy names – Milk and Honey Cosmic Smog or Unicorn Milk, which enhances the smog’s thickness, or ‘richness’ as vapers put it.

Stuff that irritates passers-by who cannot stand the overly-suffocating smell and smog of flavours that vapers put in their little contraptions.

Is the Eye saying aye to vaping? Definitely not. And definitely nay to traditional cigarettes too (been there, done that, breath stank, clothes stank, stamina stank too).

Nothing has been resolved as well on the issue that vaping is ‘safer’ than cigarettes. However, if common sense prevails, it is obvious that neither is healthier than the other.

Think about it. The ‘juices’ and ‘mods’ are being sold openly all over the country, including at the Pasar Malam or night markets, and five-foot way. These items are so cheap that they are selling like hotcakes among even those who do not earn a monthly wage.

Goodness knows where they come from. Heaven knows which backyard they were produced in and what chemicals were used in producing the ‘juices’. It doesn’t matter too if more expensive ‘juices’ or ‘mods’ are bought from specialised stores or ordered online. One can never tell what exactly goes into these solutions or if the vile smoke contraptions are made based on safety standards.

What if the chemicals used in the ‘juices’ react against another in those little bottles? What if one of those ‘mods’ overheats and blows up in your face, as they have been reported to do?

Newspapers have been reporting of kids as young as 11 getting hooked on vape. Again, if common sense prevails, anything which can potentially become an addiction is bad news. Just as bad or even worse than smoking cigarettes. Just as bad as getting hooked on illegal drugs.

Speaking of which, word has been going around too that these vape devices have been abused and modified to cater to other substances. It is not impossible.

The World Health Organisation states that vaping can bring more danger than good to society and can be used as a drug abuse device.

Apparently vaping is also becoming a trend among young girls and boys. A national daily reported two young brothers aged 11 and 14 have between them vape devices and juices that cost RM1,100. How on earth did kids as young as 11 and 14 get hold of money worth more than a month’s minimum wage?

How many of us working adults can actually have savings of RM1,100 a month after paying off our financial obligations?

Based on the news article, neither would reveal how they got hold of the money to spend on vaping. Does this not already set off alarm bells?

A young boy interviewed about his vape addiction said he had gotten hooked after trying his friend’s vape, which was mango lassi flavoured. As far as the Eye is concerned, mango lassi in its true sense can be found on the supermarket shelves and in Indian restaurants. Lassi is a healthy yoghurt drink, a far cry from vapours and smoke inhaled and slowly killing our cells.

If Malaysia were to enforce a ban on vaping, it should also seriously consider banning cigarettes. Remember, common sense should prevail in this decision. We all know that both are bad for everyone, the smokers, vapers and people around them.

Several states in America have already enforced bans on vaping in public, alongside their bans on cigarette smoking. Realising that the problem looks to be getting out of hand, the US FDA is also proposing new regulations that will require electronic cigarettes and vape manufacturers to disclose ingredients used in the ‘juices’ or liquids, prove the safety of the ingredients used, regulate the manufacture of the vaping contraptions, and ban the sale of these items to those below 18 years of age.

So, as a former smoker of cigarettes “yang dah bertaubat”, the Eye supports bans on anything that is smoked, exhaled into the air as a smog of chemicals, irritating others and dangerously addictive.

Comments can reach the writer via [email protected].