Public Health Interventions to Minimize the Impact of Vaping-associated Lung Injuries.

Abstract: Vaping was introduced as an alternative to traditional cigarettes to reduce health risks attributed to smoking. However, after the initial hype, soon adverse effects of vaping were reported, including e-cigarettes or vaping-associated lung injuries (EVALI). Despite the availability of evidence that vaping has health risks, its popularity has significantly increased among adolescents and youth. Acknowledging the negative consequences of vaping, there is a definite need to implement targeted public health interventions to reduce the incidence and impact of EVALI, especially among vulnerable population groups. A range of challenges has been identified that can act as barriers to reducing the impact of EVALI, and there is an indispensable need to overcome these for better outcomes. In conclusion, vaping-induced lung injuries can affect any user, and they are not a safer alternative to smoking as was thought earlier. Considering the extent of damage, these products can cause due to the presence of harmful components, it is the need of the hour to adopt multifaceted and proactive solutions to effectively address EVALI and prevent future cases.