By Staff Writer: Jacob Mattox
Vaping has become extremely popular in recent years, particularly among younger people. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as of 2024 over 1.6 million students throughout high school and middle school reported current use of e-cigarettes. Although it is often seen as a safer alternative to cigarettes, vaping does carry risks of its own.
One of the larger concerns is that the majority of vapes or e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is known as a highly addictive chemical. Not only is nicotine addictive, it is also very harmful to the human brain. Research conducted by the CDC suggests that nicotine can severely impact the development of the brain, especially in those under the age of 25.
Another concern with vaping is lung health. Research from both the CDC and American Lung Association show that both vaping and smoking have been known to cause irritation within the airways and are linked to both short and long term lung injury. Other side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and changes in sleep patterns are also associated with vaping but aren’t directly linked which leads them to be less talked about.
The CDC warns that no tobacco products, including e-cigarettes are safe and while scientists still have a lot to learn about the long term health effects of using e-cigarettes, existing research already points towards serious risks, particularly in younger users.
Overall, while vaping is marketed as a safer option than smoking cigarettes, it still carries health concerns, and as its popularity continues to grow it’s important to understand its risks.