Anti-Vaping Education

Overview of Vaping

Vaping was originally created as a cessation tool. The problem with vaping is that most people who vape were never smokers and are typically teenagers. So, not only are e-cigarettes not the best tool for cessation, it is also raising teens that are hooked on nicotine. There are many health risks that are associated with vaping.

There are many reasons why people may decide to start vaping. There are four deciding factors that contribute to this. The first reason is price. Vaping usually costs around $50 to get started, but can be found as cheap at $7 in some cases. This means that the price is relatively low, so this does not deter people. It is also widely socially acceptable, especially in young environments. The surgeon general claims that from 2011 to 2015, the number of high school students who vape went up by nearly 900%. Most people do not understand the risks that are associated with vaping either. The last factor is availability. In most cases, it is very easy to purchase a vape, even for those that are underage.

Vaping Leads to Nicotine Addiction

Vaping leads to nicotine addiction because most of the companies will claim to be nicotine-free, but will still put nicotine in their products. Their goal is to create lifelong customers. These products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When teenagers begin vaping they will likely try other tobacco products in the future. Also, nicotine can have long-term effects on the developing brain. The true amount of nicotine that is taken in depends on how the e-cigarette is set up. Vapes are not quality controlled. This means that they can use any ingredients, put anything on the label, and can make it at any location. This means that vaping is completely unsanitary.

Vaping Contains Formaldehyde, Acetoin, Metals, Etc.

A vape is actually an aerosol and not a vapor at all. In many cases, the vape can overheat and decomposes many of the chemicals that are involved. For example, some of the chemicals are propylene glycol and glycerin, which are not too toxic. However, when these two chemicals are overheated in the vape, then they can turn into dangerous chemicals, such as formaldehyde. When these vapes are overheated, they can also introduce the lungs to harmful metals such as lead, nickel, tin, and aluminum.

Some other chemicals that are found in vapes are diacetyl, pentanedione, and acetoin. These are the same chemicals that are known to cause popcorn lung. Popcorn lung has no cure or treatment, so the symptoms associated with this are permanent. Some common symptoms are wheezing, shortness of breath, dry coughs, decreased lung volume, scar tissue, inflammation, and airway obstruction.

Explosions with Vapes

Explosions are also very common with vapes. In many cases, this occurs when the person is vaping, so the damage is done to the face and neck. In other cases, it can happen when it is charging or when the vape has been put into a pocket or bag and is bumped around frequently. Explosions are known to cause shattered teeth, severe burns, broken necks, burns, fractures, and skin grafts may also be necessary in some cases.

Vaping Leads to other Health Problems

People who vape are at a higher risk for contracting a sickness such as the flu, strep, or pneumonia. Once they are sick, they will be sick for a longer period of time. Mono is also known to travel quickly because people are more likely to share vapes.

If a younger child lives with people who vape, they are more susceptible to ingesting vape liquid. Vape liquid is very colorful, smells good, and is typically named after fruits or candy, and because of this, young people are more likely to reach for it.

Nicotine Addictions with Vaping

Addiction happens so fast in people that vape for a variety of reasons. One pod in an e-cigarette is the nicotine equivalent to a full pack of cigarettes. It is also likely because people that vape; typically will vape all day every day. They do not usually have to step outside.

Long Term Effects with Vaping

The long-term effects of vaping have still not yet been studied, as this is still a new item on the market. Since there are not any long-term studies yet, there is no real answer if smoking is more dangerous yet.

Second-hand smoke can still be found in vapes. Since vapes are not actually a vapor, but an aerosol, the harmful chemicals can be transmitted through the air. Second-hand vapor can also contain nicotine, which means that the people around the one that is vaping may develop an addiction to nicotine as well. There is even a third-hand exposure, which means that the vapor can remain on surfaces and be transmitted through ingestion or through the skin.

Teenagers who vape are also 31% more likely to smoke cigarettes than teenagers that did not.

Vaping devices can also be used for marijuana or Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A national survey of teens shows that nearly 6% of teens have claimed to vape marijuana. It is important, as a parent, to be aware that vaping THC does not produce the same smell as smoking marijuana. Vaping THC can also produce a higher concentration of THC. This means that users are likely gaining greater exposure and will become addicted faster.