Vaping

The Effects of Vaping on Health

 

It has been just over a decade since e-cigarettes hit the market. Since then there has been a large rise in popularity. According to cancerresearchuk.com, there are about 3 million people in the United Kingdom alone using e-cigarettes. Another study from the CDC states that at least 9 million people use e-cigarettes in the United States.
According to a study the biggest issue with vaping is about their health risks; there are many unknowns involved. These devices could be better or worse than smoking cigarettes but until extensive studies are done on them, it is unsure the effects they have on their consumers.
The ingredients in the vape juice is propylene glycol  (pg), vegetable glycerin(vg), flavorings and nicotine if applicable. The nicotine alone is not powerfully addictive according to a study done by Scientists Jean-Francois Etter and Thomas Eissenberg.
“Some e-cigarette users were dependent on nicotine when used in e-cigarettes, but these products were less addictive than tobacco cigarettes. E-cigarettes may be as addictive or less addictive than the nicotine gum, which itself is not very addictive.”, said Etter and Eisenberg in their report on their study.
According to the researchers the thousands of other chemicals in cigarettes are what pairs with nicotine causing the intense addiction.
Nicotine is a drug. Opinions vary on the dangers of it. When asking two people about the drug one stated, “It is as harmless as coffee a cup of coffee.” while the other believed it is dangerous. Other than the nicotine, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are considered by the FDA as safe for consumption.
The main benefit of e-cigarettes, according to Dr. William Stephens, is the fact the there is no burning going on which correlates to no tar according to his study at the University of St. Andrews.
Though e-cigarettes or vaporizers seem to be safer than cigarettes, this does not mean they are completely harmless. Putting anything in your lungs that is not air can be harmful. Nicotine is a drug with addictive properties meaning it is not in your best interest to indulge in that hobby.
At Triton High School, vaping is not allowed. This is something seen in public schools around the country. Despite the rule, vaping is still seen at school as students have been caught in the bathrooms.
Scott Brennan, who is the assistant Principle of the school has caught students before. When asked about the situation he stated “If  you’re caught, it will be confiscated and you will have to pay a 100 dollar fine.” said Brennan. “You will have to go to court and you can fight it if you wish.”
The other Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kathryn Dawe is against vaping and believes they are harmful. “We don’t know enough about it.”, Dawe said. “There are so many unknowns but they know that there are a lot of chemicals in there.”
More information will come out about vaping as it becomes more popular and as studies can be completed.