The trapping vapor and the urgency of prevention: experience report of the 'PodsNaoPode' project in light of scientific evidence on electronic smoking devices

Abstract

This article reports on the preventive project 'PodsnaoPode', which has operated for over four years to raise awareness among adolescents, parents, and caregivers by delivering lectures in public and private schools in Itapetininga, Tatuí, Capela do Alto, and Itapeva. This is an experience report of the project's activities, bridging field pedagogical practice with the most solid national and international scientific evidence on the risks of electronic cigarettes. The discussion demonstrates that, although vapes are commercially promoted as harm reduction alternatives, they cause serious biological harms (such as EVALI, endothelial dysfunction, cellular reprogramming that favors oral cancer, and interruption of prefrontal cortex development) and psychiatric harms (induction of anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviors). Field results indicate that merely informative campaigns are insufficient, requiring humanized and dialogical interventions that involve the school and family community in an integrated manner. It is concluded that projects such as 'PodsnaoPode' are essential to mediate scientific knowledge and strengthen the child and adolescent protection network, in accordance with the curricular insertion recommendations proposed by ANVISA.