In November of last year, Daniel was admitted to the emergency room with nearly half of his lung filled with fluid due to an early-stage edema. This terrifying experience prompted him to resolve never to vape again, marking a turning point for the young man. Although he would typically be seen as just another smoker who quits after a health scare, Daniel stands out as he is only 18 years old and has been vaping since the sixth grade, averaging almost one vape per day. His regret and newfound understanding of the harm of vaping underscore a critical issue facing many adolescents today.

Daniel shares his story candidly, hoping to raise awareness among his peers. He expresses frustration over the lack of effective communication about the dangers of vaping compared to smoking, where graphic images on cigarette packaging serve as warnings. He believes such vivid representations should also accompany vaping products to inform and deter young people from using them. His initiative to share his experiences aims to spark conversations around the real threats posed by vaping in a context where its use remains prevalent among students aged 14 to 18 in Spain.

Currently, the high rates of vaping among Spanish students present a significant public health challenge. Despite growing evidence of the risks associated with e-cigarettes, many youths remain unaware or are misinformed about the severity of such habits. Daniel's story is emblematic of a larger trend, highlighting the importance of educational outreach and the need for more rigorous public health campaigns targeting smoking and vaping among young populations.