India, April 30 -- Smoking may be falling out of favour among younger generations, but it's quickly being replaced by vaping, which is often perceived as cleaner and more convenient. With no lingering odour, multiple flavours, and ease of use, e-cigarettes have become an appealing alternative. This trend has also been showing up in pop culture and sports. Actor Ranbir Kapoor was seen vaping in the web series, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, and cricketer Riyan Parag was spotted doing the same during an IPL match on Tuesday. A section also believes that the lack of tobacco makes vaping safer than smoking. However, Dr Kunal Sood, anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, warns that this belief is misleading. He also highlights key concerns about the long-term health risk factors that the trend poses. Unlike cigarettes, many vapes operate in loosely regulated markets, leaving room for unchecked inconsistencies. He says, "The level of nicotine can be unpredictable, sometimes even higher than in cigarettes, making it even more addictive. Also, nicotine can increase both your blood pressure and heart rate, increasing your anxiety." Vaping's convenience removes barriers associated with smoking. "Since vaping is more socially accepted, you don't have to go to designated smoking areas, which means your lungs are going to be exposed more throughout the day, increasing your risk of lung injury," Dr Sood explains. Vapes expose users to chemicals that may damage lung tissue and increase cancer risk. "Vaping can increase your risk of lung scarring and cancer, and will also affect your sleep quality," he adds....