The growing popularity of vaping is putting teens at risk for serious health complications. Vaping is the act of inhaling vapors from a device that contains a flavored liquid, which was considered safer than using tobacco products due to its low amount of nicotine. The vapor from e-cigarettes actually delivers cancer-causing chemicals to your body. E-cigarette vapors contain nicotine, which is habit-forming and addictive, and other toxins.
According to an article by Maria Cohut for Medical News Today (2018), a team of scientists from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland concludes that e-cigarette vapors could be harmful. Senior study author, Ana María Rule states, “It’s important for the FDA [Food and Drug Administration], the e-cigarette companies, and vapers themselves to know that these heating coils, as currently made, seem to be leaking toxic metals — which then get into the aerosols that vapers inhale.”
The fun, fruit-flavor infused liquid that goes into an e-cigarette is attractive to young adolescents and teens. Many teens are addicted to vaping and use the e-cigarettes in schools and on school campuses, and sometimes in the classroom.
Parents should learn more about vaping and recognize the devices. A JUUL is an electronic cigarette that looks like a memory stick or thumb drive often used to transfer documents or photos from home to work or school. The device is plugged into a USB port, which provides a charge for the user to take a hit. The device uses flavored cartridges that can be appealing to teens. Each pod has about 200 puffs, which is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes.
The vaping devices are small enough to hide in a person’s hand or pocket and can easily go undetected by parents or school staff. Tobacco and nicotine-infused products are harmful to a person’s health.
The liquid used when vaping can cause scar buildup and permanent damage to the lungs. In addition, a majority of the flavorings contain chemicals that are harmful to the lungs. E-cigarette liquids are poisonous when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. These liquids can cause severe skin irritation due to accidental exposure.
Vaping is very harmful to a person’s health, but there is hope for recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, get help now. Make the decision to live substance-free and call today.
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