Have you ever walked into the school bathroom and thought to yourself, “It smells fruity in here”? That fruity smell is produced by an electronic cigarette, also known as an e-cig or a vape. This device heats up a liquid to create a vapor you inhale. You may think it sounds cool, however it contains nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can interfere with adolescent brain development. 

Actually vapes were imagined by individuals who wanted to quit smoking and the point was to have less smokers purchasing cigarettes. Types of electronic cigarettes include JUUL pods and vape pens. Vaping is more common among the younger generation such as high schoolers or young adults. In a 2019 survey, more than 5 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. (U.S Food and Drug Administration, 2019) and vape usage has risen about 1800% in teens in the past decade. Many teens vape as they enjoy the “hit” (or high) they receive from every puff. Others see it as a status symbol or a way to be trendy. They enjoy the different flavors offered such as mint, candy, fruit, or chocolate.

Now what are the harmful aspects of vaping? Vaping is known to not be good for your heart, as it causes the stiffness of your arteries with increased blood pressure and heart rate. The obvious health side effect is the presence it has in your lungs. When you inhale the vapor from a vape, the heat stays in your lungs, causing your lungs overtime to hold less oxygen. This causes trouble with breathing, and for blood to travel around your lungs abnormally causing them to change into a darkish color. Research center investigations have shown that fumes from e-cigarettes can harm human DNA, which is a pathway to creating new cancers and lung disease. 

Now next time someone a peer holds up a vape to your mouth to pressure you into trying it, think of the side effects. Do you really want to put your life at risk? Think of your future.