Vaping directly into a baby’s face

I saw something today that truly broke my heart. I saw two teenage girls with a woman who had two babies. I wasn’t completely sure who the babies belonged to, but I believe they were the woman’s, because one of the babies called her “Mummy.”

At one point, the woman asked one of the teenage girls to look after one of the babies while she went to check something, possibly bus details. While the girl was holding the baby, she was vaping. What upset me most was that the baby was right in front of her face while she was vaping, and the vapor was going straight toward the baby. The woman saw the teen smoke yet nothing was said or done.

The girl even made videos of herself vaping while the baby so close. Watching this made me extremely uncomfortable. I wanted to ask her to please step away from the baby, but I didn’t. I was not sure of how the lady would react when she got back and there were people watching but I kept itching to say something honestly.

It made me wonder how children and teenagers reach a point where smoking becomes so normal at such a young age, and how some adults appear to accept it without concern, even in public spaces and around babies. I’m not saying smoking is good in any situation, but seeing it done so casually and so close to a baby was deeply upsetting.

When that teen was vaping directly near the baby’s face, she wasn't just creating a plume of flavored air; she was releasing a cocktail of chemicals directly into the most vulnerable person's developing respiratory system.

Immediate Effects on a Baby:

• Respiratory Distress: A baby's lungs are tiny and still developing. The ultrafine particles, heavy metals (like nickel, tin, and lead), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vape aerosol can cause immediate irritation and inflammation. This can trigger or worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections.

• Nicotine Exposure: Vapes contain high levels of nicotine. Even passively inhaling the aerosol leads to nicotine absorption. For a baby, nicotine is a potent neurotoxin that affects their developing brain.

• Increased Risk of SIDS: Exposure to any secondhand smoke or aerosol has been linked to an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Long-Term Effects on a Child:

• Pulmonary Damage: Constant exposure can lead to chronic lung conditions and reduced lung function later in life. They are essentially starting life with a handicap on their respiratory system.

• Neurodevelopmental Issues: Nicotine exposure in early life can cause lasting problems with brain development, potentially affecting attention, learning, and impulse control.

• The Addiction Pathway: This is incredibly disturbing. The baby's body is absorbing nicotine (a highly addictive substance) through passive exposure. While they are not choosing to smoke, their body is being physiologically primed for addiction. This early, involuntary exposure could theoretically lower the threshold for them becoming smokers or vapers themselves later in life, a truly cruel start.

This isn't an "oops" moment. It's a fundamental failure to protect a child. The world is already full of toxic substances, from pollution to plastics why would a parent or guardian actively choose to add more toxins directly to their child's breathing space? It's utterly inexcusable.

Why Teens Think It’s "Cool"

The sight of the teen recording herself while smoking perfectly illustrates part of the problem. Why do teens take up vaping?

• The "Cool" Factor: Vaping companies, despite regulations, use marketing that appeals to youth, from fun flavors (like "Gummy Bear" or "Strawberry Milk") to sleek, tech-like devices. It's often framed as a rebellious, sophisticated, or modern alternative to traditional smoking, a way to fit in or appear edgy on social media.

• Misinformation: There's a widespread, but dangerous, belief that vaping is "just water vapor" or "harmless." This misinformation, often spread peer-to-peer, dismisses the real chemical dangers.

• Stress and Anxiety: Some teens use it as a coping mechanism, mistaking the rush of nicotine for relaxation or stress relief.

• Accessibility: Vapes are often easier to obtain and conceal than cigarettes, making them a more accessible vice.

The truth is, vaping is not cool. It's an addiction pathway dressed up in flavored air.

The "Stupid Act" of Elderly Vaping

For an elderly person, who has likely spent decades accumulating general wear and tear, and may have underlying health conditions, vaping is a reckless gamble with the remaining years of their life.

Many elderly people who vape were  most likely traditional smokers who switched under the false premise that it would significantly improve their health. While it removes tar and carbon monoxide, they are often still inhaling massive amounts of nicotine and other toxic chemicals which place undue stress on already aging body systems.

A Medical Breakdown of Vaping's Effects on Aging Organs:

Organ System	The Problem	Medical Impact (Exposed to Vape Aerosol)
Lungs	Decreased elasticity and function over time.	Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) worsening. Inflammation from particles leads to reduced oxygen transfer. Increased risk of lung infection and "popcorn lung" (Bronchiolitis\ Obliterans).
Cardiovascular System	Arteries stiffen, heart muscle weakens (Age-related hypertension is common).	Nicotine is a stimulant and vasoconstrictor. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, placing severe strain on a heart that is already working harder. Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Brain/Nervous System	Reduced blood flow and potential cognitive decline.	Nicotine can constrict blood vessels leading to the brain, exacerbating existing age-related cognitive impairment and increasing the risk of vascular dementia.
Immune System	Weakened and slower to respond to pathogens.	The chemicals in the aerosol weaken the immune cells (macrophages) in the lungs, making the individual highly susceptible to severe flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19—which are already major risks for the elderly.

This isn't about judging past habits. It's about questioning the logic of knowingly adding more toxic burden to a body that desperately needs protection. It truly feels like a lack of self-love and self-preservation.

I know there are people who smoke or vape who might read this and feel offended. I am not sorry.

Your health is the only truly non-renewable resource you have. Smoking and vaping are not just personal choices; they are careless habits that inflict damage on you and those around you, especially the most vulnerable among us.

If you are a smoker or a vaper, please know this: You can love yourself a little more by cutting this bad habit. Every day you delay is another day you are pushing toxins into your body and potentially exposing loved ones.

It is a difficult addiction, but help is available. Choose to reduce the toxic load in your life, starting with what you willingly inhale. Your future self, and the children around you, will thank you.

One of the many signs that someone may hate themselves is smoking.

Photo by Renz Macorol