Vaping is not only harmful, but is habit-forming and addictive. The growing popularity of vaping is putting teens at risk for serious health complications. The vapor from e-cigarettes actually delivers cancer-causing chemicals to your body.
E-cigarette vapors contain nicotine and come in flavoring, such as cotton candy, mint, and sour gummy worms to appeal to teenagers and young users. Originally, these devices were designed to replace cigarettes and were considered safer because of the lower amount of nicotine.
When heated by the device, the e-liquid turns into an aerosol. Dr. Ana Navas-Acien, a professor of environmental health sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, recently released a study conducted to measure the levels of metal in the aerosol.
The research found chromium, nickel, zinc, and lead. She stated, “Comparing what was initially in the liquid, that was very, very tiny amount (of lead) practically undetectable. But after the e-liquid was heated through the e-cigarette device, lead levels were then 25 times higher. There is no safe level of lead.”
Many teens are addicted to vaping and use the e-cigarettes in schools and on school campuses, and sometimes in the classroom. Parents might not be familiar with vaping, what is in the oils, and the vaping apparatuses. Parents should learn more about vaping and recognize the devices.
A JUUL is an electronic cigarette that looks like a memory stick or thumb drive. It is rechargeable and plugs into a USB port, which provides a charge for the user to take a hit. The device uses flavored cartridges and each pod has about 200 puffs, which is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. The JUUL is small enough to hide in a person’s hand or pocket and can easily go undetected by parents or school staff.
The liquid used when vaping can cause scar buildup and permanent damage to the lungs. In addition, a majority of the flavorings contain chemicals that are harmful to the lungs. E-cigarette liquids are poisonous when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Vaping is very harmful to a person’s health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, get help today. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started:310-881-9151