Santiago, DR – August 24, 2025.
Tragic news has deeply shaken the city of Santiago and rekindled the national debate on e-cigarette use among adolescents. Alexa Castro, a 14-year-old student, died suddenly from a heart attack, and everything indicates that her death is related to excessive vaping.

According to preliminary reports, Alexa had been using e-cigarettes frequently in recent months, causing a series of cardiovascular complications that led to her tragic death. Doctors and specialists consulted warn that prolonged and improper use of these devices can have devastating consequences, especially for developing bodies like those of adolescents.

What are vapers and why are they so dangerous?

E-cigarettes, commonly known as  vapers , are devices designed to vaporize a liquid solution that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Although initially promoted as a “less harmful” alternative to traditional cigarettes, recent studies have revealed multiple health risks, particularly in young people.

The aerosol generated by these devices is not simply water vapor, as is commonly believed. It contains toxic components such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, heavy metals, and carcinogenic compounds. Furthermore, the nicotine present in many of these liquids can cause  severe addiction , even in the short term, and seriously affect the brain development of adolescents.

“Vaping among minors is a silent epidemic that threatens to become a public health crisis. We are seeing more and more cases of adolescents with heart and respiratory problems and severe addictions,” said Dr. Anabel Díaz, a pediatric pulmonologist at José María Cabral y Báez Hospital.

Community impact and social reaction

The news of Alexa’s death has generated a wave of grief and outrage in her community and across the country. Family, friends, teachers, and neighbors have expressed their dismay at the loss of a cheerful young woman with dreams and aspirations, whose life was cut short by a habit that many still underestimate.

On social media, the case has gone viral, prompting urgent calls for authorities to tighten laws on the sale and distribution of vapes, especially in schools. Dozens of parents have begun sharing similar stories and demanding  stronger awareness campaigns  about the real effects of vaping.

“We can’t continue to allow these devices to be sold like candy. Our children are dying from misinformation and lack of oversight,” said one mother during a vigil held in Alexa’s memory.

Urgent call to action

Health organizations, parent associations, and educators are calling for stronger and more coordinated measures. Among the most discussed proposals are:

• Total ban on the sale of vapers to minors.
• Stricter controls in physical stores and online platforms.
• Educational campaigns in schools and the media.
• Regulation of the content and advertising of vaping products.

In addition, experts urge parents and guardians to be actively involved in their children’s lives, maintaining open communication about the dangers of vaping and monitoring the content they are exposed to on social media, where these products are often promoted as “safe” or “modern.”

An opportunity to reflect

The death of Alexa Castro cannot and should not go unnoticed. This unfortunate event must become a turning point for Dominican society, which faces a growing public health problem among its youth population.

As cases of teens affected by vaping increase, it’s clear that this is not an innocent fad, but a real threat that demands immediate attention.