1.When e-cigarettes, more commonly known as vapes," first came on the market, they were touted by their makers as a far safer way to enjoy the pleasures of smoking. However, while it is true that vaping is less dangerous than cigarette smoking recent research has revealed that the use of e-cigarettes, especially among young people, poses serious health risks.
2. Being "less dangerous" than cigarettes is hardly a stamp of approval for vapes. After all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term cigarette smoking kills half of all users. While e-cigarettes may not be quite this deadly, it is clear that addiction to nicotine -which, the CDC notes, is present in 99% of all vape products (2022a) - is unhealthy, furthermore, scientists have yet to fully learn or understand the long-term health effects of vaping.
3. Of particular interest to health officials is the fact that vape use has reached troublesome proportions among young people, and there are specific health concerns for these younger users. According to the CDC, in 2022, 1 in 7 high school students and 1 in 30 middle school students reported that they had usedavape product in the last 30 days (2022b). These numbers are deeply troubling given the unique health consequences vape products can have on young people.
4. Our brains don't finish developing until about the age of 25. According to the CDC (2022a), "Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections - or synapses -are built between brain cells. Young people's brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Nicotine changes the way these synapses are formed." These changes can affect processes like attention, learning, and impulse control. Furthermore, addiction to nicotine can lead to mood disorders, and nicotine can serve as a gateway drug to substances such as marijuana (which can also be delivered by vape), heroin, and cocaine. The CDC also reports that many young people are using nicotine to self-medicate, an unhealthy and ultimately ineffective way to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. 5. Beyond these risks, scientists are still learning the other possible harmful effects of e-cigarettes. The CDC notes that some ingredients in the aerosol produced by vapes may be harmful to lungs, and we may see more of this damage as use becomes long-term. Some vapes have been known to explode or catch fire, gravely injuring their users.