James Johnson, only 20 years old, never imagined that a habit he considered relatively harmless could bring him to the brink of death. For months, he spent long nights working tirelessly, relying heavily on disposable e-cigarettes, known under the brand name Puff, which cost around 14 euros each and lasted only about two days. “I worked 17 hours a day, and I was constantly awake, so I vaped a lot,” James explains. What started as a way to stay alert and manage his grueling work schedule soon turned into a dangerous dependency, one that would have severe consequences despite his youth and previously excellent physical condition.

The constant use of e-cigarettes, combined with the stress and exhaustion of his long workdays, slowly took a toll on his lungs and overall health, a fact he initially refused to acknowledge despite repeated warnings from those closest to him. Friends and family had repeatedly cautioned James about the potential risks of vaping, warning him that electronic cigarettes were not as safe as they were marketed to be. At the time, he dismissed their concerns, convinced that his young age and strong physical health would protect him from serious consequences.