E-cigarette use and vaping is typically considered safer and alternative use to kill a nicotine addiction, according to the National Center for Health Research. But how about forming an addiction? Teenagers across the nation are creating an epidemic of new tobacco users through the attraction of delicious vaping flavors.
Big tobacco companies have made it almost too easy for teenagers to abuse their products. Available at nearly any gas stop for less than $40, “Juul” is becoming the silent killer of the century. It’s desired by many teens because it produces a cloud that disappears within seconds, has no distinct smell, and is easily concealable due to its flash drive-looking design.
“I know a lot of people who vape and I’m not sure if they realize that one Juul cartridge has the equivalent amount of nicotine as two packs of cigarettes, which is kind of scary,” says Lauren Wong (‘19).
“If teenagers want to go ahead and ruin their lungs for the sake of being cool, it’s their life, their choice,” said Christopher Rinnetti (‘19). “That being said, I hope they know the risk factors that come along with it,” he added.
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, 9.5% of eighth graders, 14% of tenth graders, and 16.2% of 12th graders have used e-cigarettes in the past month. On the other hand, the amount of students that smoked regular cigarettes was nearly half the percent in each grade level.
“I feel like teenagers would smoke regardless of the fact that vaping is currently rising in popularity,” said Hector Chavez (‘19). “The media is the main cause of this epidemic. Everyone just wants to fit in, doesn’t matter if it’ll kill you.”