E-Cigarettes: Understanding the Hype

By Madeline Hammett

It is widely recognized that teenagers have increasingly turned to e-cigarettes, with many using and misusing various nicotine products in recent years. A lingering question remains: why are so many teenagers willing to jeopardize their health?

“Between 2011 and 2019, the number of high school students using e-cigarettes grew from 1.5% to 27.5%,” according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey.

While the rate of cigarette smoking among teens has gradually declined over the past few years, it seems that they have discovered a new source of nicotine excitement through e-cigarettes.

False sense of security

E-cigarettes were initially promoted as a means to help chronic smokers gradually reduce their nicotine intake. Companies like JUUL and Blu started targeting adult smokers looking for a more controlled dosing method.

Although this strategy seemed to offer a safe solution to the smoking crisis in the U.S., it inadvertently attracted a younger audience to nicotine consumption.

Many teenagers have come to believe that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative with fewer health risks compared to traditional cigarettes, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

“Besides nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol can contain other chemicals that harm the body,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states. “This includes cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs.”

Sleek packaging has inconspicuous appeal

E-cigarettes like the JUUL are designed to be compact and styled to resemble USB drives.

This modern appearance allows teenagers to easily conceal these products from parents. In addition to keeping them hidden, students can use them more discreetly than cigarettes, vaping during class, in school restrooms, at family gatherings, and in their own rooms.

The appealing new designs are accompanied by enticing flavors aimed at drawing in young users. Flavors like key lime pie and mango ice are more appealing to kids than the taste of traditional cigarettes, ensnaring them in a cycle of addiction and unhealthy habits.

A much bigger risk

In recent years, the nicotine content in e-cigarettes has surged. As noted by Rally Health, e-cigarettes now utilize nicotine salts, which allow for faster nicotine absorption with reduced irritation.

“Not only has the average nicotine concentration in e-cigarettes gone up, but sales of e-cigarettes with 4% or greater nicotine concentration rose from 12.3% of the market to 74.7%,” a study by the Truth Initiative reveals. “Nicotine is highly addictive, and young developing brains are even more vulnerable.”

As if teenagers weren’t already at risk of nicotine addiction, the availability of products with higher nicotine content is exacerbating the issue.

“Nicotine salts deliver nicotine more efficiently across the brain/blood barrier,” says Truth Initiative Scientist King. “This all means greater potential for nicotine addiction among kids.”

How can parents help?

One crucial action parents can take is to educate their teenagers about the adverse effects of smoking and nicotine use. Many teens start vaping out of curiosity or the desire to fit in.

“Teach your teenagers skills to resist pressures to use,” suggests an article from the Partnership to End Addiction. “Children in middle school or high school are likely to encounter social situations where they’re offered a chance to try vaping. Consider asking them how they might respond in such situations.”

A primary factor influencing teen vaping is observing family members using nicotine products. If a child witnesses a relative vaping, they may associate nicotine use with a positive experience.

“When it comes to why teenagers vape, many report a social connection,” according to the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey. “30.8% of teenagers mention having a family member who uses vaping devices as a primary reason for trying e-cigarettes.”

Overall, engaging in open and honest discussions with your teenager about the risks of vaping is vital in preventing its use. Being transparent and setting a positive example can significantly aid teenagers in navigating social pressures that may tempt them to experiment with these devices.

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Editor’s Note: Madeline Hammett is a sophomore at the Episcopal School of Dallas, where she is a staff writer for the school newspaper, The Eagle Edition.