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Sergio DeCello

Dunham

CCP English 1201

28 March 2021

Effects of Vaping on Teens and Young Adults

Each new fad introduced into society seems glamorous enough at first. From pole sitting

to man buns, trends are capricious and unpredictable. Their duration and impending effects are

relatively unknown until years after they have gone. Vaping, something once thought to be a

temporary trend among young adults, is another unknown topic whose popularity is growing

uncontrollably. As its popularity has endured, more research has started relating to the use of

e-cigarettes. Studies have shown that vaping and e-cigarettes can have very dangerous effects on

the health of people of all ages. When using e-cigarettes, toxic chemicals are inhaled into the

body which can cause lung and cardiovascular disease, as well as many other infections which

can lead to death.

When vaping was invented "in 1965 by Herbert Gilbert," it was considered a risk-free

and non-harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes. (Douglass par. 4). Douglass also states that

later advancements were made in 2003 which were then marketed as a safe alternative to

traditional cigarettes. (par. 4). Intended to help smokers quit their habit, these engineers had no

idea of the evil they were instead releasing upon the world.

In the article "Teen Vaping: Time to Clear the Air," a definition of what exactly vapes are

is given. The author states that "Vaping refers to the vaporization of substances (nicotine,

flavorings, cannabis, or other substances in popularity) wherein oil, liquid, or plant material is

heated to a temperature resulting in the release of aerosolized water vapor and active ingredients
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(nicotine, cannabis) delivered via inhaled aerosol."(Douglass par. 9). Several types of vaping

devices are then described.

There are personal vaporizers (PVs), which look like a pen or a laser pointer, are a new

generation of e-cigarettes that are mid-sized. (Douglass par. 5). These devices tend to appeal to

high schoolers especially, since they are easily hidden from figures of authority, such as teachers

or administrators. There are also "advanced personal vaporizers (APVs)," which contain a 'mod'

(short for ‘modification’) is a mechanical shooting mechanism that can be used with a variety of

atomizers (tank systems). (Douglass par. 5). These APV's can vary in size, form, and mode of

distribution. (Douglass par. 5). The final device described is the "vape mod." Supposedly the

most advanced of all the devices listed, vape mods contain internal circuitry, which involve

electrochemical cells and battery units (Douglass par. 5). Colloquial terms for these varying

devices are as follows: "vapes, vape pens, e-cigs, e-hookahs, mods, and tank systems." (Douglass

par. 5).

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the vaporizers we see

today most commonly have four parts. The battery which powers the device; the atomizer which

heats the e-liquid into an aerosol; the cartridge which stores the e-liquid; and the mouthpiece

which allows the user to inhale the aerosol (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

These parts all work in tandem: the e-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that

normally includes nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals with a battery. and then users "inhale

this aerosol into their lungs." (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

The popularization of nicotine vaporization systems has led the way for many other

substances to be vaped. With the rise in popularity of marijuana products, they are one such

product that has found its way into the e-cigarette industry. In 2017, "a study conducted among
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3847 high school students in Connecticut was consistent with high rates of using e-cigarettes to

vape cannabis (lifetime cannabis user, 18%; lifetime dual users, 26.5%)." (Douglass par. 14). An

annual study by the University of Michigan "found that the use of vaping products for nicotine

and marijuana had doubled among college students between 2017 and 2018, one of the largest

proportional increases since the study of adult drug use began more than 40 years ago."(Levin

par. 9). Although this is only a minor part of the vaping epidemic, it is still yet another factor to

consider.

Much like their predecessor, the cigarette, electronic vapes are extremely addictive,

containing nicotine as well as other harmful ingredients. According to the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services, vapes contain:

● "ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

● flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease

● volatile organic compounds

● heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead" (par. 2)

When one considers the main demographic of e-cigarette users, teens and young adults, the

dangers these chemicals pose become even more prevalent.

An overwhelming number of studies show that our first years, specifically "through

childhood... to about age 25," are imperative to the brain's development (U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services). An excessive intake of nicotine can severely impair the brain's

development when consumed consistently at a young age. The U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services states that nicotine exposure addiction and brain damage can occur during

puberty and young adulthood. These dangerous chemicals can affect memory, attention,

listening, self-control, and mood are all affected by slowing brain growth in teenagers.(Gordon
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par. 3). They will also raise the risk of developing other addictions later in life. (Gordon par. 3).

On a more physical plane, e-cigarettes "irritate the lungs" and may "cause serious lung

damage"(Gordon par. 4). And because of how new they are, the long-term effects of vaping on

one's health are unknown. (Gordon par. 10). The effects that we have seen to date may be

nothing compared to what is in store.

Even with all these effects in mind, vaping continues to grow in popularity. According to

the National Youth Tobacco Survey, from "2011 to 2014, the use of e-cigarettes grew rapidly to

13.4% of high school students and 3.9% of middle school students." (Douglass par. 7). In every

study shown the increase in adolescents who use nicotine products is absolutely jaw-dropping.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that when they began a study in

2011, 1% of girls and 2% of boys in Middle and High School used tobacco products (Douglass).

When they returned to the study in 2018, 19% of girls and 23% used it. Sadly, once this habit

starts, it is notoriously hard to kick (Douglass).

In the NPR article, "He Started Vaping As A Teen And Now Says Habit Is 'Impossible To

Let Go'," author John Daley investigates the nicotine addiction of 21-year-old Julien Lavandier.

Lavandier, who is currently a student at Colorado State University, started vaping when he was
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just a sophomore in high school. He admits that his habit is rather consistent, extreme even.

Daley quotes him, saying "all the time when I set down my schoolwork to do homework, take a

rip of the Juul. When I get in my car, take a rip of the Juul."(par. 4). Lavandier explains how his

habit began: "it was a lot of, you know, chasing flavors, or doing smoke tricks and that was really

what impressed me. I thought, you know, this is cool, this looks like something fun."(Daley par.

6). This innocent beginning led to what just might be a lifelong addiction, with crippling side

effects.

But Lavandier is not the only young adult who struggles with this same addiction. He

goes as far as to estimate that "a quarter of his classmates were habitual e-cigarette users."(Daley

par. 7). Data from the 2015 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey found that "nearly half of Colorado

high schoolers reported that they've vaped. One in four said they had used an e-cigarette in the

last month."(Daley par. 23). This data is extremely concerning to public health officials, as that

number is nearly three times the rate of traditional cigarettes (Daley par. 23).

The article "Vaping on Campus: No Parents, No Principals, a Big Problem" investigates

the same issue. Their hook states that despite a rising health problem that has claimed the lives of

more than 50 people, many college students have found vaping to be an enticing — and

addictive — part of their lives. (Levin par. 1). Apparently, the appeal varies based on the student.
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At the University of Georgia, one freshman disclosed her 'right' to vape, unrestricted by her stern

parents, in the 'freedom' to vape. (Levin par. 7). Another student "gushed about getting free

drinks from bartenders in exchange for sharing her e-cigarette."(Levin par. 7). A third student, a

senior, states that she started vaping last year said e-cigarettes had helped her lose weight,

boosting her self-esteem but undermining her efforts to quit." (Levin par. 7). Most students

mentioned in the article claim that they began vaping in high school and the habit increased

when they entered college.

Many e-cigarette companies have been accused of purposely marketing to minors, given

their fruity flavors and modern, sleek-looking designs. One article states that between 2011 and

2013, vibrant promotional campaigns targeting the youth demographic through social media

channels, television, and the Internet proliferated. (Douglass par. 15). These ads would have

directly correlated with the rise in vape use among younger generations, especially considering

that "television advertisements soared 256%, reaching over 24 million young persons."

(Douglass par. 15). Many people say that child-friendly flavorings are a marketing ploy to lure

teenagers, mask the harshness of cigarettes, and make nicotine abuse easier. (Douglass par. 15).

Some "cheap disposables and pods" are even sold in flavors like "'iced mango bomb' and 'berry

lemonade'," sugary flavors which would clearly appeal to a younger demographic, as opposed to

the long-time smokers they claim to make products for (Levin par. 14).

These companies are now facing mounting lawsuits. JUUL has officially sales of mint

and other flavored pods, which were common among teenagers, were halted; however, this has

made only a minute difference (Levin par. 10). Students have simply shifted to other brands with

fruity flavors and cheaper vape machines, some sold for as cheap as 99 cents (Levin par. 10). A

majority of manufacturers of e-liquids... state that their goods are not intended for minors, yet
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still offer a "wide range of sweet flavors... like cotton candy, caramel, cherry, cookies and milk

and crème brûlée." (Daley par. 13). Regarding vapes, state-wide bans and age limit increases are

occurring across the country. Some universities have even taken matters into their own hands. An

article published by the New York Times stated that "the University of Georgia banned tobacco

use in 2014."(Levin par. 3). The FDA has sent multiple requests to the CEOs of JUUL for

documents to investigate whether or not they are intentionally marketing vulnerable adolescents.

However, Juul Labs staff turned down several requests. (Daley).

In the video “Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to kids," posted by

the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the narrator explains the vape's appeal to younger people.

Vaping devices such as JUULs, pens, e-hookahs, MODs, and e-cigarettes are all marketed as safe

alternatives to smoking. But because of their modern design, sugary flavors, and ability to

conceal very easily means that they are that much appealing to kids. Ernest Hawk, vice president

of the Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences Committee, states that Juuls, e-cigarettes, and

other related items should not be used by teenagers. ("Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and

JUULs: How to talk to kids"). Because of the nicotine consumed while vaping, teens' brain

development is disrupted. Hawk states that it learning, mood, and impulse regulation are both

affected as the interactions between brain cells are disrupted. ("Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping

and JUULs: How to talk to kids"). He then continues to say that this can make the effects of

mental health issues such as anxiety and depression more severe.

As the video continues, it gives a laundry list of harmful chemicals contained in vape

juice. These include, but are not limited to

"chromium, copper, crotonaldehyde, diethylene glycol, formaldehyde, glyoxal iron,

isoprene, lead, limonene, magnesium, nickel, nicotine, n-nitrosonornicotine,

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o-methylbensaldehyde, phenol, polycyclic aromatic, hydrocarbons, potassium, propanal,

propylene glycol, sulfur, tin, toluene, valeraldeyde, zinc, and zirconium" ("Dangers of

e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to kids").

The video states that one formaldehyde, "which is found in glue and embalming fluid," is

commonly contained in vapes ("Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to

kids"). Diacetyl, which is known to be a direct link to lung disease, is also found in vapes

("Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to kids"). The video states that there

are even well-known carcinogens in products like JUULs and e-cigarettes. The speaker refers to

Benzene, a compound linked to leukemia. And if that was not bad enough already, the vaporizers

themselves pose certain dangers to users.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, vapes contain ultrafine

particles that will go deep into the lungs when inhaled, particles that have been linked to serious

health issues (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). One chemical, commonly found

in vape flavoring, diacetyl, is related to a life-threatening lung condition. (U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services). Benzene, an extremely volatile compound in e-cigarette solutions,

is simultaneously found in car exhaust and heavy building metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

In the previously mentioned video "Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to

talk to kids, "speaker Jennifer Cofer, Director of the EndTobacco Program, states that there have

been 243 e-cigarette explosions ("Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to

kids"). Reports have shown that 63 of these were during use, 84 during charging, 52 during

transportation and storage, and 44 involving spare batteries ("Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and

JUULs: How to talk to kids"). Although explosions of vaporizers are overall rare considering the
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number of those in use, it is still to be considered in the overall danger they pose. All of this

considered, one must also remember that these are only the short-term effects.

Because vaping is so new, scientists do not know exactly what side effects it may lead to

later in life. According to Kidshealth.org, Vaping's long-term health risks remain unknown.

(Gordon par. 12). The author states that even though vaping hasn't been around for very long,

people who vape have been reported to have significant lung injury, including several deaths,

according to health experts. (Gordon par. 3).

The article "Teen Vaping: Time to Clear the Air," investigates the known effects vapes

can have on users' health. Studies have shown that "Health effects of nicotine include

hemodynamic effects secondary to catecholamines (eg, increase in heart rate and blood pressure;

vasoconstriction of arteries and vessels; endothelial dysfunction; atherosclerosis acceleration)."

(Douglass par. 10). This same article states that in adolescence, "nicotine can result in addiction

and harmful consequences such as behavioral and cognitive impairments, memory issues,

inattention, and executive function impairments." (Douglass par. 10). One chemical commonly

found in vapes' liquid residuals is propylene glycol (Douglass). In aerosol form, this "has been

reported to be a respiratory and eye irritant in patients without asthma," causing lung damage

(Douglass par. 11). The article even links e-cigarettes to cancer, stating that their comprising tank

systems have the capacity to heat nicotine liquids to high temperatures that produce

cancer-causing carcinogens such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in the vapor." (Douglass par.

11). But there are risks even for the teens who abstain from e-cigarette use.

Research has proven that secondhand e-cigarette aerosol exposure can lead to similar

symptoms as those of regular vaping. Sadly though, "The effects of potentially harmful doses of

heated and aerosolized ingredients of e-cigarette liquids including solvents, flavorings, and
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toxicants are not fully understood." (Douglass par. 12). Because of their relative newness, it is

difficult for public health officials to say exactly what their long-term effects will be.

In the end, when one investigates the vape's appeal to younger generations, the mental

health crisis must also be taken into consideration. In both media and colloquial conversation, we

are consistently admonished, being shown warnings about the dangers of nicotine, especially that

which is contained in vapes. They brandish symptoms and side effects in advertisements as if

they are brazen swords which might take our life the moment we make contact with the devilish

devices. And these ads are shown in places that are considered extremely accessible to teens,

apps like TikTok and Instagram. Schools have programs such as D.A.R.E. which barrage

students with statistics so that they might abstain from these deadly creations. But to no avail.

As teenagers grow more and more hopeless, falling deeper and deeper into mental

illnesses such as anxiety and depression, one must wonder if this deadly habit is not a form of

coping mechanism. Perhaps teens already know what dangers e-cigarettes pose and they simply

do not care. Or even worse: that's why they do it.

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Works Cited

Daley, John. “He Started Vaping As A Teen And Now Says Habit Is 'Impossible To Let Go'.”

National Public Radio, 7 June 2018,

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/06/07/615724991/he-started-vaping-as-a-

teen-and-now-says-juul-is-impossible-to-let-go. Accessed 5 March 2021.

Douglass, Brendal. “Teen Vaping: Time to Clear the Air.” Contemporary Pediatrics,

www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/teen-vaping-time-clear-air. Accessed 3 March 2

2021.

Gordon, Lonna P. “Vaping: What you need to know.” Kids Health, Sept. 2019,

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/e-cigarettes.html#:~:text=But%20health%20experts%20ar

e%20reporting,%2Dcontrol%2C%20attention%2C%20and%20mood. Accessed 2 March

2021.

Know The Risk: E-Cigarettes & Young People. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

2021, https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/default.htm. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

Levin, Dan. “Vaping on Campus: No Parents, No Principals, a Big Problem.” The New York

Times, 23 Dec. 2019, pp. 15. Accessed 28 Feb. 2021.

Markland, Mary E. “Media and Smoking.” Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health, 2019,

https://eds-a-ebscohost-com.sinclair.ohionet.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=16&sid=e10c0d60-

593c-41e9-8d1c-69ae584b5c3c%40pdc-v-sessmgr02&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdm

U%3d#AN=94415460&db=ers. Accessed 3 March 2021.

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MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping and JUULs: How to talk to kids.”

YouTube, 13 Nov, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCAyb3lDTo. Accessed 6

March 2021.

Prono, Luca. “Electronic Cigarettes.” Salem Press Encyclopedia, 2019,

https://eds-a-ebscohost-com.sinclair.ohionet.org/eds/detail/detail?vid=17&sid=e10c0d60-

593c-41e9-8d1c-69ae584b5c3c%40pdc-v-sessmgr02&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdm

U%3d#AN=89550565&db=ers. Accessed 3 March 2021.