Smoking cotton swab: see the risks of the new social networking fashion

A TikTok fashion challenge to kids and teens in Europe is starting to hit Brazilian social media: cotton swabs. In several videos, teenagers seem to light up one end of the flex rod and inhalation of fumes from burning cotton at the other end with plastic waste

The dangerous new “challenge” has worried parents, guardians and experts, who warn of the potential health risks of these early smokers. resulting from the release of toxic substances from the combustion of products In addition to causing respiratory diseases, long-term use can lead to the emergence of cases of cancer.

interviewer State of Sao Paulo“In principle, plastic releases substances proven to be carcinogenic when exposed to combustion,” explains Cláudio Luiz Ferraz, pulmonologist at Beneficência Portuguesa in São Paulo. Cotton is released when burned. toxic fibers that cause inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system

Risks of smoking with a cotton swab

An immediate danger to swab smokers is “burn on the lips and face.” [pelo plástico que pode pegar fogo e se alastrar] as well as promoting the habit of smoking,” he explains. Estadao Caroline Peev, Sabará Hospital Infantil Emergency Department coordinator.

Even a rare lung disease – bysinosis – a type of occupational asthma caused by inhaling cotton particles can be caused by smoking flexible sticks. In the United States the disease is called “brown lung disease” and mainly affects workers who deal with untreated cotton.

According to Cláudio Ferraz, “these new ways of smoking are very alarming, just like traditional cigarettes,” so parents should guide and be mindful of their children not to acquire this habit. fashion – electronic cigarette – caused the emergence of evali, dangerous acute inflammation of the lung, which can lead to death.