North Star

Hazardous to health
Reports show a link between vape use and illnesses within the lungs and the effects may be more drastic
in adolescents
by Karsyn Williams
karsyn.williams15@gmail.com
Within the past 20 years, vaping has become more and
more prevalent across the U.S. and with it, the reports of
respiratory issues and lung disease from those using vape
products have increased dramatically.
“Vaping is almost like smoking cigarettes on steroids,” FHN nurse
Brooke Magilligan said. “You’re actually smoking and inhaling more
than if you were to smoke a pack of cigarettes.”
Unlike cigarettes, which have had hundreds of studies throughout
the century that demonstrated the dangers of smoking, vape products
haven’t been studied nearly as much since it’s a newer product. Due
to this, no one is entirely sure of the long term health effects of vaping.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
have reported that over 1,500 vape users have been shown to have
respiratory issues and the majority of them are under the age of 35. Also
according to the CDC, 34 deaths caused from respiratory diseases have
been linked to vape use.
“There has just not been enough studies on it to even rule that it’s
safe, there’s been tons of people going to the hospital,” Magilligan said.
“The more you do it the more you increase your chances of developing
problems.”
Consistent and frequent vaping has also been shown to cause acute
lung injury and fills up one’s lungs with inflammatory cells rapidly. The
inflammatory cells can block and fill the air sacs in the lungs, preventing
the flow of oxygen. This snowballs into critical lung illness and diseases,
such as emphysema, a disease that prevents the body from getting the
proper amount of oxygen, and can pose a potential threat of death.
“We shouldn’t think that vaping is safer [than smoking] in anyway,”
pulmonologist Gary R. Goldstein said. “It is, plain and simple, not safe.
You are putting something into your lungs and you don’t know what it
is.”
Within the past decade, vape products have become more
widespread as more brands and flavors are released. The compelling
flavors of vape are believed to be part of what’s causing a rise in
teenage vaping, despite the laws preventing anyone under the age of
18 from purchasing vape products. To combat this, the FDA has recently
been working towards banning the flavors targeting younger audiences.
Adolescents and teenagers are more affected by the use of vape and
nicotine than adults, as they are more likely to develop an addiction
due to the brain not being fully developed.
“The flavoring is being targeted towards high schoolers and younger
persons because adults aren’t interested in flavors like that,” Goldstein
said. “They are being used by the market to enhance their sales.”
Since vape products primarily contain nicotine, an addictive
chemical, it’s hard to stop once one starts. The best way to prevent
vaping from becoming a habit is to never start in the first place. A
younger addict should let their parents, a counselor
or doctor know about their addiction to help start
taking steps towards recovery together. Recovering
from addiction will remove a major stressor in one’s
life and help them live a healthier future.
“First thing is the realisation that you don’t
want to vape anymore, and once you reach
that conclusion, to stop and set yourself up
for success,” Goldstein said. “Get rid of all
the vaping you have available, because the
withdrawal symptoms and temptations can
be very strong. Once you get over the first few
days it should hopefully snowball into success.”
COMPONENTS OF A VAPE
Learn about the mechanics of the average vaping device (Content by Karsyn Williams)
Mouthpiece
After the e-liquid is converted
into vapor, the gas is inhaled
through the mouthpiece and
into one’s lungs, allowing for
the chemicals, nicotine, and
water in the e-liquid to go into
the lungs and body, before
being exhaled.
E-Liquid
Cartridges of e-liquid contain a
mixture of nicotine, flavoring, water,
and other chemicals. The FDA has
only recently began regulating the
ingredients in e-liquids and many vapes
and cartridges are sold without prior
approval from the FDA.
Atomizer
After receiving energy and heat
from the battery, the atomizer
boils the e-liquid, converting it
into a vapor, then traveling up into
the mouthpiece.
Battery
The battery of a vape requires
charging, as is the element that
provides the heat and energy to the
atomizer and fuels the vapor. Using a
charger that wasn’t designed for the
battery can be dangerous and cause
electrical problems. There have been
multiple reports of the batteries from
vapes overheating or even exploding
during use.
PAGE BY GRACIE BOWMAN
IN-DEPTH | 11.20.19 | FHNTODAY. COM
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