Selena Gomez revealed in a video on Sunday that vaping has altered her voice, addressing discussions about her voice evolution over time. The U.S. singer and actress, also known for founding the Rare Beauty makeup line, shared in a now-unavailable Instagram story that her voice was impacted by her extensive use of nicotine through vaping. Gomez, 34, emphasized the challenges of quitting nicotine and advised against vaping, highlighting its negative effects on her voice.
While Gomez did not specify the duration of her vaping habit, she expressed her struggle to quit and encouraged others facing similar challenges. She acknowledged the difficulties but encouraged perseverance, emphasizing that overcoming such obstacles is possible.
Gomez has been transparent about her health battles, including her Lupus diagnosis in 2015, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissues. She mentioned the potential impact on her vocal cords due to Lupus during an Instagram Q&A session. Additionally, Gomez underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 and disclosed her bipolar disorder diagnosis in her documentary “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me.”
Health experts caution about the broader risks associated with vaping beyond nicotine, emphasizing that the respiratory system is designed for breathing, not exposure to various harmful substances present in vape smoke. While formal studies specifically focusing on vaping’s direct impact on vocal cords are limited, the multitude of chemicals in vaping products can affect different parts of the respiratory system, including the vocal cords.
Health Canada has identified over 1,500 unique chemicals in vaping products, with ongoing research on the long-term health consequences. These risks include potential lung damage, as highlighted by experts. The conversation on vaping is crucial, and public figures like Gomez play a significant role in raising awareness about the dangers associated with vaping, especially in relation to nicotine and its effects on vocal health.
Experts stress the importance of honesty from public figures like Gomez in addressing the vaping issue, underscoring the misconception of vaping being safe. They advocate for stricter regulations on the sale and use of vaping products to curb the potential epidemic. While efforts to restrict vaping flavors have been announced, stringent regulations are deemed necessary to address the rising use of vaping among young individuals. Discussions are ongoing to advocate for legislative actions to limit access to tobacco products, including vapes, especially among younger demographics.