Why Is Vaping Such A Big Deal?

Unfortunately, many people believe that vaping is just water vapor and that is simply not true. Water is not even a main ingredient! It contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, formaldehyde (which is an embalming fluid to preserve dead bodies!), metals (like lead and nickel) and flavorings to attract teens. Vaping, JUULing, e-cigs are all Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and are a battery-operated smoking device. In short, nicotine is what causes you to become addicted and they are all the same! A single JUUL pod can contain the same amount nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. The "vapor" is not vapor at all! It turns the liquid into aerosol form (Think hairspray! GROSS!). 

Well, why is this such a big deal?  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate ENDS and even though they claim to be nicotine free, this is also not true. In fact, a recent analysis by the Truth Initiative showed that 99% of all ENDS sold in stores contain nicotine. Furthermore, according to TobaccoFreeNJ.com in 2007 the high school smoking rate was 5%. Since ENDS was introduced in the US 10 years ago, the high school smoking rate skyrocketed to 21%. In fact, a recent survey completed by the CDC explained that more than 1 in 4 high schoolers reported using some sort of e-cigarette in the last 30 days! We all know that cigarettes are dangerous to our health and can cause cancer, but guess who owns JUUL and other ENDS brands? Yep, that would be Big Tobacco the same companies that own and sell cigarettes. 

The next time someone tells you that vaping "is not that bad" or "not addictive" inform them of the facts and encourage them not to vape. Vaping related lung illnesses has just passed the 2100 mark. Don't fall into the trap. 

Make sure to check back to our site soon for a hot topic and resource of the month on vaping!