Latest news with #youthhealth
CNA
3 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Rise in vaping cases this year involving etomidate, a fast-acting anaesthetic, says HSA
SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is closely monitoring the use of e-vaporisers, or vapes, to consume etomidate, a fast-acting anaesthetic used in medical procedures. More than 20 cases involving etomidate have been detected so far this year, compared to 5 cases for the whole of last year, according to the statutory board. Vape products laced with etomidate are often called "kpods", 'zombie vapes' and 'space oil'. HSA warned that inhaling it directly into the lungs can cause side effects like spasms, breathing issues and seizures. The statutory board added that the sedative is meant to be used under supervision in hospitals for medical procedures. Etomidate is classified as a poison and those found possessing or using pods containing it are liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to two years and/or fine up to S$10,000 (US$7,747) under the Poisons Act. DRASTIC IMPACT ON YOUTH HEALTH But even without etomidate, doctors said vaping can lead to more drastic health outcomes for those who take up the habit. Between January 2024 and March 2025, about 2,600 students from schools and Institutes of Higher Learning were referred to HSA for vaping, and nearly 1,800 youths received counselling during this period, according to the agency. HSA added that there were over 800 repeat offenders under 18 years old between 2019 to 2023 who bought, used or were in possession of a vape. Dr Loh told CNA that teenagers are also more sensitive to addictive effects of vaping, so they might find it more difficult to eventually kick the habit, compared to adults. Vapes contain chemicals including nicotine – an addictive substance commonly found in cigarettes, cancer-causing agents like formaldehyde, and metal nanoparticles such as tin, lead or nickel. Adjunct Associate Professor Puah Ser Hon, head of Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, said that the growing number of youths vaping is a concern. 'They're still developing, their lungs are growing, their brain(s) are growing, but all the chemicals that they inhale through the vapes actually stunt them,' he added. Assoc Prof Puah said that users of vapes also face potential illnesses such as cancer and chronic lung diseases. One such lung condition caused by vaping is a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, which experts believe is caused by diacetyl, a chemical widely found in vapes. It is commonly added by manufacturers to complement the flavours of vape liquids. When inhaled, it can cause the tiny air sacs in the lungs to scar. Over time, the scarring builds up, causing a narrowing of the airway, which can lead to coughing, wheezing or even respiratory failure. The condition can be treated but not cured, said Dr Loh. In extreme cases, patients may require a lung transplant but the procedure does not guarantee survival and quality of life will be reduced, she added. Both doctors debunked the belief that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes. Dr Loh said that despite e-vaporisers being a relatively new product, its harms are already well-documented, and Assoc Prof Puah said it is not true that secondhand vapour is less disruptive than secondhand smoke. He added that smoke particles, which are exhaled through vaping, could land on clothing or the environment and be inhaled by other people as a form of third-hand smoke. ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION Ms Jessica Teo, assistant group director at HSA's Vigilance, Compliance and Enforcement Cluster, said that the statutory board has intensified its operations, both physically and online, to disrupt vape distribution networks. 'We have also strengthened border controls with the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority, and we have increased our enforcement presence in places, in public spaces where vaping is prevalent,' said Ms Teo. "Definitely it is of concern, and we are … monitoring this very closely. Now it is etomidate. Tomorrow it could be another substance,' she added. HSA said its officers are scanning through online platform s looking for illegal sellers of vaping devices and signs of other offences. Specialised systems automatically scan the internet 24/7 for suspicious listings, up to 10 advertisements per minute, according to HSA, adding that authorities then work with online platforms to take down listings. More than 6,800 online listings of vapes and related components were removed from January 2024 to March 2025, more than double the 3,100 listings removed in 2023, said HSA. The Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Ministry of Education said they will launch a year-long online counselling programme in all secondary schools in July, aimed at helping students quit smoking and vaping. Private venues are also doing their part. Zouk Group said anyone caught with illegal products, including vapes, will be referred to the authorities. 'It's just something that we don't tolerate at all. We want to make sure that, within the environment that we provide for our customers, that none of that is present in our venues,' said the nightclub's group marketing director Mr Roman Kibe. HELP IS AVAILABLE Authorities said that help is available for those addicted to vaping and they will not get in trouble for seeking it. Programmes like HPB's I Quit offer support, and any personal admissions made during counselling stay confidential. Assoc Prof Puah said that professional medical help is also available for anyone seeking help with nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms. '(At) all the hospitals, the polyclinics … There are people out there ready to help. In the National Healthcare Group … you can just walk in and seek consultation, and somebody will guide you through the process,' he added.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Vaping: The children going undercover to stop illegal vape sales
The sale and use of disposable vapes will be banned across the UK from Sunday 1 ban aims to not only protect the environment but also children's is illegal to sell any type of vape to anyone under the age of 18, but there have been concerns that single-use disposable vapes, which often come in colourful packaging and different flavours, have played a big role in the rise in the number of young people NHS says at least a quarter of children aged between 11 and 15 year have tried vaping. I went to meet two children who have been working undercover with their local council to try and stop shops from selling vapes to underage people. 'My first time doing it, I was sold to twice' To try and stop the sale of vapes to children, local councils sometimes send undercover teenagers into shops to see if they can successfully buy vapes. I spoke to two teenagers who have done this to find out how it works, we've changed their names to protect their is 15, he told me he goes into different shops with an undercover adult officer to try and buy vapes. If he manages to buy a vape he then hands it over to the officer who then questions the shop owner. He said: "Most of the time they (the shopkeepers) are on the phone, talking to someone else."I think people need to pay more attention to what they're selling and who they are selling to."Laura is 13, she said that the first time she went out undercover she was able to buy vapes twice. 'I've seen kids in year seven vaping' The NHS found that nearly 1 in 10 children aged between 11 and 15 vape and health charity, ASH, said that in 2024 disposable single-use vapes were the most frequently used device for people aged between 11 and people vaping is something James and Laura have noticed too."In my school it's getting such a big problem," said James. Laura agreed, she said: "I've seen kids in year 7 who are vaping, who are 11 or 12 years old."James believes the new ban will make it harder for kids to try and buy vapes. He told me that if he was in charge he would remove the flavour from them, because he thinks "that's a big part of what interests kids in wanting them".We spoke to the UK government which said that children being able to access vapes underage is a serious concern. Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said: "Single-use vapes are harmful not only to children's health but also to our streets and the environment."Shopkeepers now have less than one week until the ban comes in and must act now. Anyone who breaks the rules will face serious fines and even jail time."
CBC
12-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
N.S. Health works to expand access to youth gender-affirming care across province
Nova Scotia Health is working to expand access to youth gender-affirming care in the province by replicating a clinic model introduced in the Annapolis Valley last year. In February 2024, a youth clinic dedicated to providing this kind of health care opened in Kentville. Then another opened this March in Bridgewater, with more clinics in the works. "Accessing gender-affirming care isn't just a city thing or an urban thing," said mental health clinician Julien Davis, who is also trans. "We exist in rural settings as well and … ideally should be able to access that care wherever we're at." The clinics provide puberty blocker and hormone therapy treatments to youth who have hit puberty, up to age 16. Children and their families can also be referred ahead of puberty to discuss questions and concerns. Puberty blockers are a reversible treatment that temporarily stop the progression of puberty, providing a child with more time to explore their identity — for example through clothing — without the distress that can come with going through developmental changes. The blockers are not a new treatment, and have also been used for children who undergo puberty too early. Hormone therapy is partially reversible and involves prescribing hormones like estrogen or testosterone to help trans and gender-diverse people develop physical characteristics that are aligned with their gender. "These are medical treatments that have existed for a long time and they are available and safe for youth to access," said Becca Macdougall, a mental health clinician who sometimes refers patients and their families to the Kentville clinic. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, gender-affirming care — health care that supports a person's gender identity — is the standard of care for trans and gender-diverse youth. The clinics operate under an interdisciplinary model, with pediatrics, mental health, nursing and pharmacy practitioners involved. Davis said the inclusion of nursing support is a unique feature. Nurses can help administer treatments that require injections, for example, but also teach youth how to do it safely themselves. The goal is to open clinics across Nova Scotia based on the Kentville model, which Nova Scotia Health said was the first of its kind in the province outside of the IWK, while being tailored to local needs. According to Davis, who helped start the Kentville clinic, it's likely the next clinic to open will be in Sydney. That's because of the health-care professionals and resources already in place there. Nova Scotia Health is also looking at Antigonish and southwest Nova Scotia as possible locations. Staff with the health authority travelled to communities throughout the province last year to discuss local needs, Davis said. Hiring is also in progress for a gender-affirming care co-ordinator, who will help roll out the new clinics and engage with partners. The founder of the Cape Breton Transgender Network said there's a need for these clinics, calling it a "very good move" to have multiple services under one roof. "It's been difficult for a lot of folks who have to go to multiple different places [to access gender-affirming care], often having to go to Halifax," said Veronica Merryfield. "Those services need to be more localised." She added that many families can't afford to take time off work to go to Halifax and back. A referral from a primary-care provider — including through virtual care — and a readiness assessment for hormone therapy are required for patients to access the clinic's services. The assessment can be conducted either by a private mental health clinician or publicly through Nova Scotia Health's mental health and addictions intake process. Merryfield did express concern that the clinics could draw hate. In recent years the provision of gender-affirming care for youth has become increasingly politicized. "I'm hoping that these facilities are inside … another [Nova Scotia Health] facility," Merryfield said, to avoid drawing unwanted attention. While negative rhetoric is out there, for Davis it's the youth who use the clinic that he listens to most closely. He said the Kentville clinic has heard nothing but positive feedback from those youth and their families.
