What started as a tool to help adults quit smoking has now become a trend among teenagers. Vaping, once hailed as a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, is now at the center of a youth health crisis.
The Rise of Teen Vaping
According to recent surveys, over 1 in 5 high school students have reported using a vape product in the last month. Many teens are attracted to the fruity flavors, sleek device designs, and the misconception that vaping is harmless.
But what most don’t realize is that these products often contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can affect memory, concentration, and brain development in adolescents.
Health Risks
Although vapes don’t produce tobacco smoke, they do release aerosols containing ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals. Some have been linked to lung injuries, including the 2019 outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury).