Colorful, cute, cool—and extremely dangerous: Vapes are already a popular lifestyle accessory among children, one that can lead to nicotine addiction. How harmful are e-cigarettes, and how can policymakers and the medical community protect young people?

About 20 percent of all cancer cases are attributable to smoking. Successful nicotine prevention efforts have reduced the consumption of traditional cigarettes. But the current boom in e-cigarettes and vapes is undoing this success. This seemingly harmless gateway drug is already being used in elementary schools. With colorful designs and sweet flavors, companies are luring children into regular use—and ultimately into addiction. The ingredients damage the lungs and blood vessels and are suspected of being carcinogenic. Vapes are banned for minors. Nevertheless, even illegal products are being traded in schoolyards and on social media. Known as “Baller Liquids,” they can even be laced with hard drugs.

Do we need strict bans on flavors and advertising, or more prevention? Following the documentary “Anti-Cancer Hacks – Your Lifestyle Matters” (44 min.), Jasmina Neudecker discusses with representatives from politics and medicine how we can protect children from the dangers of vaping.

Moderation: Jasmina Neudecker (ZDF)

In cooperation with ZDF/Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, Mainz