ART 3170 Civic Engagement: Social Issues "Action" Project: Electronic Cigarette (E-Cig) Addiction Among Teens in the US

Electronic Cigarette Addiction among Teens

Research

What are E-Cigs?

Electronic Cigarettes, or E-Cigs, are electronic devices used to heat liquid which creates aerosol, or a mix of small particles in the air. The liquid usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other additives. According to, Know The Risks, users inhales this aerosol into their lungs and can also be used to deliver cannabinoids such as THC from Marijuana, and other drugs. Most devices have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. In addition, the CDC website shows that some E-cigs look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. The most common ones look like USB flash drives, pens (regular writing pens), and other regular everyday items. Larger devices are known as tank systems, or "mods", they do NOT look like other tobacco products. People may believe that inhaling these clean "vapors" can not harm lungs, but it is NOT vapor, they are inhaling AEROSOLS.
Other names: Mods, vape pens, vapes, pens, tank systems, vaping, JUULing.

Issue

I have chosen this as my topic because I believe it is important to arm parents and other adults with valuable information about how harmful these E-Cigs can be to young adult brains. Some of these E-Cig companies, specifically the nicotine companies, are targeting teens with their products. They target teens by creating flavored nicotine liquid pods. They taste nothing like classic cigarettes and taste exactly like candy making it utterly addictive for teens. The 'vaping' scene is also glamorized by teens. E-Cigs leave behind an aerosol whose smell evaporates within seconds, making it almost impossible to detect. Schools are now having difficulty controlling teens from vaping in the school restroom or pretty much anywhere. These addictive aerosols are not "vapor" and can be extremely harmful to a developing adolescent's brain, lungs, and heart.

According to research and Know The Risks, between 2011 and 2018 ,E-cig use grew dramatically among middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) students.

E-Cigs come in different shapes and sizes and are constantly evolving. This makes it difficult for parents and other adults, such as school personnel, to quickly identify them.

Facts

All JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine. According to the manufacturer, a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.
Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain. The brain keeps developing until about age 25.
Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
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.
Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs
Dangers
Damage to the brain, heart and lungs
They contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug with known health risks
Cancerous tumor development
E-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not FDA approved
There is little consistency across different products.
Some product may have more toxins than others.
Products may not be tested for harmful toxins.

Community Members Feedback

Dustin & his Mother, Irma

Dustin: "I believe it is terrible companies are targeting younger adults just to turn a profit without caring about the health of these kids. It is important to be able to keep up with latest vaporizers in order to keep and eye on these kids. I would not want my younger brothers falling victims to these corporations. The government should be involved in regulating these products or just ban them."

Irma: "As a mother of 3 boys, I would hate to see my boys smoking these dangerous nicotine filled devices. I had no idea they could look so inconspicuous. I am glad I now know what to look out for so I can protect my children and warn them about potential dangers of nicotine and other drugs."

Matthew: "I did not know that these devices actually produce aerosol. I always thought it was vapor and believed it to be safer than actual smoke. Since I use a Juul all the time I will now have to look into these products more carefully."