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Long recognized for its ability to identify linguistic trends, Oxford Dictionaries announces its annual Word of the Year, which often resonates deeply (for instance, the previous year’s selection was “selfie”). This year’s choice? Vape. This term refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor generated by an electronic cigarette or similar apparatus; both the device and the action may collectively be referred to as vaping.
Understanding Vaping Among Teens
If “vape” is new to you and you have a preteen or teenager at home, it’s important to educate yourself about it. This urgency arises from a report released by the Centers for Disease Control in November, which indicated a significant rise—tripling—in e-cigarette usage among teenagers over the past two years. While the long-term effects of e-cigarette consumption remain uncertain, a 2014 report from the Surgeon General highlighted that nicotine adversely affects the development of the adolescent brain.
Misconceptions About E-Cigarettes
Dr. Leslie Pidgeon, an emergency room physician, notes, “Many perceive e-cigarettes as ‘safe’ and tobacco-free.” However, the reality is more complex, as traces of nicotine have been detected in products that are labeled as nicotine-free. These devices come with the same addiction potential associated with nicotine, akin to traditional cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. A 2009 report from the FDA concerning e-cigarettes discovered harmful substances including diethylene glycol, a toxic solvent, and nitrosamines, which are recognized carcinogens. This study also revealed that even e-cigarettes marketed as nicotine-free contained nicotine.
Health Risks of E-Cigarettes
Dr. Pidgeon further explains that for individuals with pre-existing asthma, the common adverse effects of e-cigarettes—such as dry cough and airway irritation—can heighten the risks of experiencing an asthma attack or allergic response. Moreover, using e-cigarettes in shared settings exposes users to each other’s germs. Depending on how the e-cigarette is stored when not in use (for example, in pockets or bags), it may also complicate treatments for MRSA infections. Research from the University of California, San Diego indicated that exposure to e-cigarette vapor could enhance the virulence of MRSA bacteria.
E-Cigarettes and Drug Usage Among Teens
Another concerning aspect of e-cigarette use among adolescents involves substances beyond nicotine, including marijuana. Hazel Alterman, a local advocate for addiction awareness, has found through her work with area schools that some students hide e-cigarettes in their lockers and use them between classes. Others opt for e-cigarettes as a method to consume hash oil, a concentrated and highly addictive Cannabis extract.
Regulation of E-Cigarettes
With e-cigarette regulation primarily set by local municipalities, the rules regarding ownership and usage can differ significantly. In Plano, however, the City Council has enacted changes to its smoking ordinance to ban e-cigarette use wherever traditional smoking is prohibited. Carrie Stevens, a member of a Plano Coalition focused on educating students and parents about drugs, emphasizes that the amendments establish an 18-year-old minimum age for purchasing e-cigarettes and vaping liquids, aligning it with regulations for other tobacco products.
Communicating With Your Kids
The critical takeaway? Maintain open communication with your children—a wise approach in any scenario. Dr. Pidgeon adds, “Research shows that when parents express disapproval of smoking, the incidence of tobacco use declines.”
For more information, visit: Plano City Council Ordinance on E-Cigs
E-cigarette use has tripled among teenagers in just two years, and the Surgeon General reports that nicotine can adversely affect adolescent brain development.
