Vapes, Juuls, and Teens
Everyone knows that cigarette smoking is bad for your health, but what about Vapes and Juuls?
These variations on E-cigarettes have skyrocketed in popularity among teens in the past 3 years. They are 
a concoction of flavorings with or without nicotine that are released onto a heated coil within a thin electronic device creating a vapor that is inhaled. They come in many flavors and colors that appeal to teens and children. Recent studies show that 25% of high-schoolers have used these devices.
Considering relative risk, it may be safer for a current cigarette smoker to switch to vapes than to continue smoking cigarettes, but vapes are NOT safe in general. The flavorings can damage the lungs leading to a permanent, sometimes fatal lung disease, bronchiolitis obliterans. The nicotine content in a single Juul is enough to kill a toddler who drinks the colorful sweet tasting fluid. Vapes are not FDA regulated and contain variable amounts of formaldehyde- the chemical used to preserve cadavers!
Because vapes are marketed as a safe alternative for the cigarette smoker, teens often feel vaping is safe for them to start even though they may have never smoked.
Warn your preteen about the dangers of vaping before they are offered a hit!