Young Edge: Why vaping or e-cigarettes continue to lure Pune young adults despite risks

Indian Express

11-06-2025

Written by Siddhi Pati,
Despite being banned, vapes are popular among young adults in Pune as many are under the assumption that e-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, while others are simply drawn to the trend under peer influence.
Vaping or electronic cigarettes are banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (2019).
A Kharadi resident, who did not want to be named, said he has several friends addicted to vaping. He added that most people don't think it is harming their health until they start feeling symptoms like throat irritation or a heaviness in their voice.
'Vapes are easy to access, even though they're illegal, since many big smoke shops continue to sell them. I have seen these shops import vapes and e-cigarettes from African, South Asian, and especially Gulf countries,' he said.
A student from Viman Nagar shared that there is a perception that smoking is old and unhealthy. 'Even if vaping isn't completely healthy, it feels like a better option, since it also causes less discomfort.'
Many users have said that youngsters try out vaping to seek new experiences and later on at least become active tobacco smokers.
A student from Kothrud admitted, 'I go to house parties, and even if I don't want to use the vape, it just gets passed around. And I end up smoking it.'
A vaping addict pointed out the emotional pressure involved in the process. 'I got into it under peer pressure, and now it has gotten very difficult to quit. And unlike cigarettes, vapes have a variety. So, it's not the feeling of smoking and the nicotine hit. It's also the fact that there is so much more to try. I can carry them everywhere I go. I just need to charge, and it's ready,' she said.
Another student from Lohegaon highlighted how easy it is to get hooked, 'I think it's the kick of nicotine that makes vapes so addictive. They are very easily available in every other smoke shop for Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000.'
According to psychologists, vapes and e-cigarettes contain addictive chemicals that make quitting hard.
'Many young adults use vaping as a coping mechanism to deal with difficult emotions. Over time, it becomes a habit. They vape when bored, sad, or anxious. Vapes and e-cigarettes are also marketed as sleek and sophisticated, adding to the factor of increased peer-pressure among young adults, and driving them to use these devices,' explained Shreyash Chhajed, clinical psychologist.
Health professionals have warned against the common misconception that vaping is a safe alternative. 'They deliver nicotine, which raises heart rate and blood pressure. E-cigarettes also release substances like formaldehyde and TSNAs, which can increase cancer risk. For the lungs, vaping can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and even conditions like EVALI and 'popcorn lung,' said Dr Vivek Gaikwad, Pune-based cardiologist.
The fact that the combination of easy access, peer influence, emotional dependence, and lack of awareness continues to fuel this growing trend is a matter of concern among health experts. Vaping may feel safer than smoking, but the risks are real and rising, they said.
(Siddhi Patil is an intern with The Indian Express)