-by Shamiah Grant

Vaping survivor, Devendra Jagmohan recently sounded the alarm on the dangers of vaping, warning that the habit poses severe risks after personally experiencing a health scare.

Vaping is a national concern in Guyana, that has prompted an inter-agency response from law enforcement to health.

Family medicine physician Dr. AmitrajPersaud recently warned that vapes include nicotine, metals, very small particles and flavouring chemicals. 

The World Health Organization has also warned that e-cigarette emissions contain toxic substances, including some linked to cancer, heart disease and lung problems. 

Devendra Jagmohan, a 39-year-old construction worker, knows all too well the dangers of vaping. 

He once relied on his physical health every day to earn a living. Now, severe respiratory constraints from vape use have forced him off the job site and onto the long road of recovery.

”Vaping end up swelling up my lungs and infect my whole body so the vape make I cannot breathe about 5 to 6 months a lot every three to four days I use a whole vaper. How I used to be like a 100percent before I can’t, you have to take your time I can’t harass myself I can’t be around smoke or be around cement dust or so,” he explained.

Jagmohan says the experience profoundly transformed his life and perspective, prompting him to urgently appeal to others to quit vaping.

Vaping causes chronic respiratory and circulatory issues by impairing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, eventually causing severe shortness of breath during routine daily activities.

Of particular concern is the fact that vapes are often brightly colored, sweetly flavored and easy to carry… all aimed atappealing to young people.