According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is one of the most popular methods of drug intake around the world. It is a growing trend in today’s society, so it’s essential to educate the public on its harmful effects. The Juul, an e-cigarette, has become one of the most popular vaping devices in the nation and is frequently abused among youth. This device, which resembles a USB flash drive, is easily accessible at local stores and supermarkets, contributing to the growing problem.
Ins and Outs of the Juul
As with the most common e-cigarettes, the Juul uses a cartridge containing nicotine, flavoring and other various chemicals. The liquid contained within the cartridge is heated inside the chamber of the e-cigarette device, turning it into a light vapor which is then inhaled. The liquid inside of a single Juul pod contains particles of nicotine salts gathered from tobacco leaves. The salts are absorbed into the body at a rate equal to that of the absorption of nicotine from any other combustible cigarette on the market. According to the Vox Journal for Health and Science, the average Juul smoker may enjoy this type of inhalant because it does not cause inflammation of the chest and lungs like those from combustible cigarettes.
Ok, I understand smoking is bad. So, what are Juul smokers inhaling?
According to the CDC, it has been determined that aerosol is the main inhalant in one hit of a Juul and that its components have heavy effects on the human body. One component of aerosol is nicotine, which has been shown to have detrimental impacts on the body, with one major impact being addiction. Hence, youth who have used the e-cigarette often have a higher probability of using normal cigarettes. Nicotine also interferes with brain development in individuals under the age of twenty-five. Youth who use e-cigarettes or are exposed to e-cigarettes through peers or other individuals are likely to develop developmental issues. In addition to nicotine, the aerosol contains volatile organic compounds and ultrafine particles that are not able to be isolated by various protective mechanisms in the breathing system and, consequently, seeps into the lungs. These particles result in a persistent cough and various breathing problems among smokers. Hefty metals such as tin, nickel and lead, as well as carcinogenic chemicals from the aerosol, accumulate in the body and result in cancer, such as lung cancer which has high mortality rate. The flavoring in the e-cigarette consists of diacetyl, which has also been shown to cause serious lung disease.
One of the most serious and concerning issues regarding e-cigarettes on the market is that they are currently advertised as being free of the aforementioned chemicals, including nicotine. Nonetheless, they are still found to contain a considerable amount of the chemicals. According to the National Center for Health Research, e-cigarette manufacturers have until August 2022 to submit their FDA applications for approval. In the meantime, these hazardous devices are continuing to saturate the market.
According to the CDC, youth who use e-cigarettes are likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. A 2018 report by the National Academy of Medicine established that e-cigarette smoking among the youth increases the frequency and the number of cigarettes smoked in the future. The CDC and other governmental and non-governmental organizations have suggested various ways in which parents and teachers can combat the use of these products among the youth. Legal policies established by the FDA may take a long time to take root, hence it is advisable for parents and teachers to talk about these products with their children and watch out for their use.
