Vaping is becoming more popular, especially among kids and young adults. While many may use the excuse that vaping is only water vapor, they are damaging their lungs in irreversible ways. Many companies who offer e-cigarettes or vapes downplay the risk of addiction. But this addiction can be damaging not only for the person addicted but for their families as well.

Recognizing the Problem

Part of the problem is recognizing when a child, teen or young adult is using one of these harmful devices. This is because they go by many names. For example, here is a short list of names for nicotine vaporizing devices:

• E-hookahs
• Mods
• Tank Systems
• Vape Pens
• E-cigs
• JUUL E-cigarettes

Each of these devices may look different, and they may work differently, but the result is a heated liquid that turns into an aerosol and is then inhaled. They can also look like everyday objects that you wouldn’t suspect as a vaping device, such as:

• Cigarettes or cigars
• Pipes
• Ordinary pens
• Flash drives (like the JUUL E-cigarettes)

The Risks of Vaping With ANY Device

Vaping is not safe for anyone, of any age. It has been associated with an increased risk of cancer, lung disease and other respiratory illnesses. As the e-liquid is heated, it turns into an aerosol that can contain nicotine, as well as unstable compounds and chemicals that are already known to cause cancer. Many e-liquids also contain dangerous levels of heavy metals like lead, nickel and tin.

The process of turning the liquid into an aerosol creates a mist of very fine particles that permanently damage the lungs. This inhaled aerosol is similar to “huffing” paint and is no less dangerous. With such high concentrations of nicotine and other contaminants in JUUL E-cigarettes, the danger may be far worse.

The FDA will be regulating vaping devices and e-liquids. However, those who manufacture the devices and supplies do not have to apply for FDA approval until August 2022. This means that in the meantime, there is no regulation. The CDC has already made public statements about how harmful it is to vape, no matter which device and liquids you use.

Increased Harm for All Vapers

Nearly all e-liquids contain highly addictive nicotine, which also has negative effects on the developing brains of young kids, teens and adults. The synapses within the brain that transfer information are still growing until around age 25. Nicotine of any type before age 25 can permanently damage these synapses, leading to impaired attention and learning, mood disorders and impulse control problems.

Even in adults, vaping is damaging. Nicotine is more addictive than cocaine and even alcohol. Many vaping e-liquids contain much higher levels of nicotine than regular cigarettes. It can also be much harder to judge how much nicotine you are inhaling due to the lack of regulation, and the fact that it is easier to “smoke” more using a device than when smoking a cigarette.

Why JUUL E-Cigarettes Are Different

JUUL is a unique brand. Not only is it very discreet, making it difficult for parents and teachers to notice, it also contains much more nicotine than any other device on the market. One “pod” contains over 5% nicotine. This is double what the next-strongest e-cigarette on the market contains. One JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as one pack of traditional cigarettes.

It is very easy for someone to “JUUL” through one pod in a single session, and several throughout a day. This makes JUULing highly addictive for any user and much more likely to cause damage, especially in teens and young adults. Many of those who use the JUUL vaping system prefer to say they are JUULing instead of vaping.

Have JUUL E-Cigarettes Already Affected Your Family?

The high nicotine content in the JUUL vaping system makes it much more likely that the user will eventually transition to regular cigarettes. Neither of these options is ideal. Are you or someone you love addicted to the nicotine in JUUL E-cigarettes or another vaping system? Have you or they been diagnosed with breathing-related illnesses, disorders or cancers? If you are in the Atlanta area, the Harman Law Firm may be able to help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.