Teens Remain Uniformed on Dangers of E-cigarettes

Although teens are educated on the effects of underage drinking and cigarette use, vaping with e-cigarettes is barely mentioned, even though e-cigarettes are more popular than any other form of tobacco among teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2 million students have tried e-cigarettes. This number is only rising as the years go on. It is concerning that teens remain uninformed on such a dangerous trend.

A study published in Journal of Addictions Nursing looks into this problem. The lead clinician on the study was inspired to learn more about teenagers’ knowledge on e-cigarettes after her grandson was caught using vaping materials. Her grandson considered it safe due to information found online and influence from his friends.

E-cigarettes are marketed as a ‘safe alternative’ to cigarettes, but they are anything but safe. They still contain nicotine and diluents that can harm the respiratory tract and increase breathing problem. Nicotine is especially dangerous to teens and adolescents because their brains are still developing. Teens using these vaping products are likely to become addicted due to the fact that 90 percent of adults who smoke cigarettes began when they were a teenager.

The study suggests that check up visits with physicians and nurses should cover vaping in addition to the usual cigarette and alcohol use.