As a part of the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, my role involves educating the community about the dangers of vaping. Many years ago, we noticed a disturbing trend: vaping was on the rise, especially among younger audiences. This article is based on a presentation I give regularly to parents and teachers to help them understand the risks of vaping and answer common questions.
The growing popularity of vaping
Vaping has become alarmingly common among teenagers. When I ask students if they know someone who vapes, almost all hands go up. However, when asked if they vape themselves, very few admit to it, indicating a reluctance to be open about their usage. Statistics reveal that one in two high school students have tried vaping in the past six months, suggesting a significant underreporting issue.
The misconception of nicotine addiction
Nicotine addiction is often underestimated. Many perceive it as a lesser evil compared to other drugs. However, nicotine is as addictive are heroin or cocaine. This public perception can lead to a dangerous underestimation of the risks associated with nicotine consumption.
Although a 1-milligram vaping cartridge might look small in size, each cartridge can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes, leading to significantly higher nicotine consumption. The average high school student using a cartridge-based system like Juul typically uses one to two pods per day — the equivalent of smoking 20 to 40 cigarettes daily.
The impact on developing brains and other health risks
The human brain continues to develop until around 25 years of age. Nicotine use during this critical period can disrupt brain development, particularly in areas controlling impulse control and mood. This can lead to increased susceptibility to other addictions, memory issues and cognitive impairments.
Vaping can also have other severe physical health consequences, including increased heart disease risk, blood clots and inflammation of vital organs. The metals used in vaping devices can break down and be inhaled, leading to various health issues. The increased heart rate caused by nicotine can mimic the effects of significant weight gain, putting undue stress on the heart.
An unregulated market
The vaping market is largely unregulated, with many loopholes allowing the sale of flavored nicotine products despite bans. These products often contain unknown quantities of harmful chemicals. Without regulation, it is challenging to determine the exact composition and potential dangers of these substances when heated and inhaled.
There is also a growing concern about teenagers mixing vaping devices with other substances like CBD oil, THC and opioids, particularly fentanyl. These combinations can be deadly, leading to immediate health crises such as cardiac arrest. Educating young people about these risks is crucial to prevent tragic outcomes.
Addressing the issue with your children
It's essential to approach conversations about vaping with understanding and support. Punishment without education can lead to better-hidden behaviors rather than cessation. If a child admits to vaping, treat it with the same seriousness as any other addiction, offering support and resources to help them quit.
Several organizations provide support for parents and those looking to quit vaping:
- American Lung Association N-O-T: Not On Tobacco – Proven Teen Smoking and Vaping Cessation Program
- Truth Initiative
- Department of Public Health’s Smokefree Teen Program
Encouraging open conversations about vaping can lead to better awareness and more students seeking help for their addictions. By understanding the risks and providing supportive resources, we can help young people make healthier choices and reduce the prevalence of vaping in our communities.
Learn more about smoking and tobacco cessation resources at Northside.
