The Hidden Dangers of Vaping
By Carrie Berk
High school is supposed to be a time where we practice independence and develop confidence in ourselves—so why do many of us still find ourselves socially pressured to engage in actions such as vaping?
What is vaping?
Vaping refers to the inhaling of vapor from an electronic cigarette or other devices. These smoking instruments are filled with cartridges that contain nicotine, flavors, and chemicals that are inhaled once heated into a vapor, one that is not composed of water. The nicotine is particularly problematic: it is an extremely addictive substance that can control the brain’s ability to focus and learn, impacting cerebral areas that take up to the age of twenty-five to fully develop. Yet vaping’s popularity has still skyrocketed thanks to brands such as JUUL, an e-cigarette company that has romanticized the concept by filling their pods with appealing flavors such as watermelon, strawberry milk, mango, and cappuccino. Its trendy packaging and high saturation of advertisements have also boosted its attraction, and teens have even begun to take their devices onto school grounds, as they can be charged in a laptop’s USB port and produce less smoke than alternative e-cigarettes. Although vaping is not the same as smoking a traditional cigarette, it can, nevertheless, have extremely detrimental effects on one’s health. A recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that one in four American high school students use e-cigarettes, and 27.5% have vaped in the past month. These striking statistics give us a serious reason to be worried, especially with recent reports of vaping-related illness and even death.
“There is evidence that chemicals in vaping aerosol can cause an inflammatory reaction in the lungs
and serious lung damage.”
How does vaping affect us?
“Although not as harmful as tobacco smoking, vaping still carries a great deal of potential harm,” explains Dr. Michael Steinberg, Medical Director at Rutgers Center for Tobacco Studies. “There is evidence that chemicals in vaping aerosol can cause an inflammatory reaction in the lungs and as we have seen, serious lung damage. Many of the recent cases have been related to ‘black market’ modification of THC vaping devices and chemicals added to these devices. However, people need to know that even vaping products purchased in a vape shop or retailer are not currently regulated by the FDA.” Research has also proven that vaping can harm one’s immunity: ‘Smoker’s cough,’ caused as the body clears out chemicals, and bloody sores have developed in teenage vapers. Those who engage in ‘dripping,’ a vaping technique that further heats the liquid to improve flavor and boost the effects of nicotine, are at an even higher risk of developing the aforementioned side effects. Additionally, new data proves that the chemicals found in vaping devices can cause gum disease or, in extreme cases, cancer. Each e-cigarette contains a metal coil used to heat the liquid that is converted into vapor; although these liquids may initially be harmless, once heated, they may convert into toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. Nickel, chromium, and manganese--metals that typically appear in rock formations--have been found in e-liquids as well, which can damage the nervous system and have cancerous effects. Another recent study shows benzene frequently appearing in e-cigarettes, a toxic chemical found in cigarette smoke that can be intensified on a high-power vaping device.
Why do we vape?
Despite all the data against vaping devices, teens still find themselves drawn to them. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration's self-reported 2016 National Youth Tobacco Survey, 39% of youth use e-cigarettes because a friend or family member does, 31% are attracted by the variety of palatable flavors, and 17.1% engage because they believe that vaping devices are less detrimental than other forms of tobacco including cigarettes. The fact that e-cigarettes have become normalized among communities is extremely troublesome, as this preaches vaping as an acceptable ‘activity’ rather than a choice that can put one’s future at risk. E-cigarette companies are particularly to blame for promoting this mindset: JUUL presents their product as a “satisfying alternative to cigarettes” with a “flavor variety and lack of lingering smell,” and the brand also includes an alluring collage of smiling faces of people who joined their “community.” However, the sense of community bestowed through e-cigarettes seems to be a double-edged sword, as those who choose not to be a part of a vaping group feel excluded and socially pressured to sacrifice their own morals or desires.
“According to The Centers for Disease Control, 39% of youth use e-cigarettes because a friend or family member does”
How can we resist the urge?
Most vape pens contain as much nicotine as a pack of 20 traditional cigarettes, putting users at an extremely high risk of becoming addicted. The first step in combating these cravings is understanding potential side effects surrounding vape pens’ removal: one may feel tired, anxious, or hungry, as well as develop a headache, in the first few days following the withdrawal. Throughout this process, apps and texting programs can serve as encouragement, such as nonprofit tobacco-control organization Truth Initiative’s texting tool. After messaging ‘QUIT’ to 202-804-9884, vapers receive one message per day that includes specific tips on how to deal with the social implications of quitting, fight urges, and set goals. There are even messages catered to teens, such as suggestions about how to say no to vaping when offered a JUUL at a party. Additionally, users can personalize the experience by texting specific words such as ‘crave,’ ‘slip,’ or ‘stress,’ which triggers the tool to send empowering messages, often formulated as quotes from quitters that Truth Initiative has gathered from social media.
What does the future of vaping hold?
The dangers of vaping are still being studied and monitored, and the nation is currently on high alert. First Lady Melania Trump is on board with the movement to cease excessive usage of e-cigarettes and has tweeted, “It’s our responsibility as parents to understand the dangers that come from vaping. Our Administration supports the removal of flavored e-cigarettes from stores until they’re approved by @US_FDA.” Indeed, as a result of the 26 deaths and 1,299 lung injuries linked to e-cigarette usage, on September 12th, 2019, the Trump administration announced that they will be asking the FDA to take non-tobacco-flavored vape pens off the market, the primary devices teens seem to be attracted to. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo agrees, as he recently ordered state health officials to stop selling flavored e-cigarettes due to their appeal to youth. “We are taking another nation-leading step to combat a public health emergency," he has said. "Manufacturers of fruit and candy-flavored e-cigarettes are intentionally and recklessly targeting young people...we're taking action to put an end to it.” Steps have also been taken to ensure that retailers do not sell tobacco or vaping products to people who are underage, as vendors found guilty will now face criminal and civil punishments.
Worldwide eradication of vape pens? Idealistic, to say the least. But the more we educate users on e-cigarettes’ destructive side effects, the less hidden and hazy those dangers will become.
Works Cited:
“Cuomo Announces Executive Action to Ban Sale of Flavored e-Cigarettes.” ABC7 New York, 15 Sept. 2019.
Doheny, Kathleen. “White House Moves to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes.” WebMD, 12 Sept. 2019.
Felman, Adam. “Nicotine: Facts, Effects, and Addiction.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 11 Jan. 2018.
Konkel, Lindsey. “Concerns Explode over New Health Risks of Vaping.” Science News for Students, 13 Apr. 2018.
Lavito, Angelica. “CDC Says Teen Vaping Surges to More than 1 in 4 High School Students.” CNBC, 12 Sept. 2019.
“Quick Facts on the Risks of E-Cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stanglin, Doug. “Vaping-Related Lung Injury Cases Jump to 1,299; Deaths Rise to 26.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 10 Oct. 2019.
“The 3 Main Reasons Youth Use e-Cigarettes.” Truth Initiative, 19 Mar. 2018.
Todd, Carolyn L. “So, You Want to Quit Vaping...” SELF, 1 Feb. 2019.
“Vaping: What You Need to Know (for Parents).” Edited by Lonna P. Gordon, MD, KidsHealth, The Nemours Foundation, Sept. 2019.