The Dangers of Vaping
E-cigarettes. Vapes. JUULs. E-cigs. Tanks. Mods.
They are called by many names, but the product is basically the same: an electronic device that produces a mixture of particles that is inhaled – a process often referred to as “vaping.” For the sake of simplicity, I will refer to the general grouping as “e-cigarettes” but please know the information is true for all forms of these devices.
The use of e-cigarettes is rapidly growing in popularity, particularly among high school students. This increase in usage is at least partially due to the misconception that they are “safe” to use. While use of e-cigarettes in adults may be a safer alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes and cigars, they are NOT safe for young adults, children, or pregnant women.
They may be very difficult to spot, as well. Some e-cigarettes appear similar to traditional cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but many others may look like pens, flash drives, key fobs, and inhalers.
Many e-cigarettes have high levels of nicotine contained within them, particularly those in the JUUL brand which is the most common device used by youths. In fact, according to information from Children’s Hospital of Colorado, one JUUL cartridge contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. However, according to a study reported by the CDC, nearly two-thirds of teen users of these products do not realize they always contain nicotine. Some e-cigarettes are used to inhale marijuana.
Why is vaping dangerous?
Use of nicotine during adolescence, when the brain is still developing, causes harm in the functions of attention, learning, impulse control and mood. Essentially, the same negative effects on the brain through use of traditional cigarettes also occurs with nicotine exposure through e-cigarettes. And it is just as additive. The use of THC in vaping devices can produce the same mental health issues as traditional marijuana use, and promotes dependence and addiction in a similar manner as well.
Vaping is particularly targeted towards young people, with flavorings. Many times these flavorings are FDA approved, but for oral ingestion, not inhalation. They contain chemicals that are dangerous to the lungs and can cause a significant inflammation within the lungs.
The process of vaping delivers concentrated amounts of chemicals into the lungs that should not be there. There has been a sharp increase in a vaping-associated pulmonary illness, also called “VAPI” that leads to significant lung injury and even death. Lungs damaged by vaping have a more difficult time recovering from respiratory illnesses. The CDC has declared this to be a national outbreak and has identified TCH and Vitamin E acetate as chemicals particularly found in the lungs of individuals with VAPI.
What can you do?
- Talk to your pre-teens and adolescents about vaping, and the many forms it comes in. Prevent accidental exposures or ingestions by educating them on what e-cigarette devices look like.
- Talk to them about vaping just like you would traditional smoking and marijuana use. Make sure they are aware of the dangers to their lungs and the risk of addiction. Unfortunately, vaping has been portrayed as a “safe alternative” to traditional smoking and this simply is not the case.
- Monitor online activity. No ID is required to purchase these products online.
- Lead by example. If you are currently vaping, try to quit.
Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/about-e-cigarettes.html
