Education and Prevention for Teens on Vaping

• Transcript

  Last Updated: November 3, 2023

  SUPE: Hey guys! This is SUPE, the gentle dragon. Today, we’ll go over the subject of “Vaaaaapiiing”. [laughs] Sorry. Vaping is controversial, and it can be unclear whether it’s safe. Let’s sort this out together. We’ll give you the correct information so you can make your own decision. I’ll leave you with Bob and Michael.

  Bob: Hey Michael! Hey guys! Today, I wanna go over the subject of vaping. I’m sure you’ve seen some of your friends or other kids in the school vaping or maybe you’ve vaped yourself.

  Michael: Yeah, I’ve seen kids in school vape, but it’s a little confusing for me. What is it and why are they doing it?

  Bob: I understand the confusion Michael, and we’ll sort this out today. Let’s see what vaping is. E-cigarette, vape pens, pod mods, or vape mods heats a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which then people inhale. The liquids known as e-liquids or vape juice could contain nicotine or THC. E-cigarettes or vape pens can be refillable or pre-filled with cartridges containing the e-liquid. The pre-filled e-cigarettes, called “Puff Bars”, are designed for one-time use. After taking a certain number of puffs, the user throws the device away.

  Michael: The other day, I saw someone with a kind of a USB drive. Is that right?

  Bob: Yes Michael, you’re right. JUUL is a brand of e-cigarette that’s shaped like a USB flash drive. Like other e-cigarettes, JUUL is a battery-powered device that heats a nicotine-containing liquid to produce an aerosol that’s inhaled. The liquid used in e-cigarettes often contains nicotine and flavorings. This liquid is sometimes called “e-juice,” “e-liquid,” “vape juice,” or “vape liquid.” Users inhale e-cigarette aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales it into the air. Vape devices can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs. Liquid cannabis is a potent form of marijuana used in a vape pen with insanely high THC levels.

  Michael: Wow that’s insane! I didn’t know that.

  Bob: Now guys, let’s see what the difference is between smoking tobacco or pot versus vaping it. The difference between the two is the administration of the drug. Smoking tobacco or marijuana is known to cause damage to the lungs and an interesting fact is that it can cause more damage than tobacco as the user keeps the smoke longer in their lungs before they exhale. There’s not much more to say. We know it’s not good for your health. As for vaping, it is pretty new but it suggests vaping oil or liquids could be quite harmful to lung health. The problem is the vaping products are not regulated by the FDA, so there are components in it that can damage your health. That said, we know that both are not good for your health physically. As far as pot, it contains THC and either form is creating the same damage mentally. This is the same thing with tobacco. In 2019, there was study from the CDC, Center for Disease Control, that vaping can damage your lungs even more. It’s mainly due to the ingredients they add in the e-cigarette. You can see the full report in our transcript.

  Michael: I can’t believe it! This is not what the kids who vape at school are saying.

  Bob: Yeah, I understand Michael. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, such as it being better than smoking weed or tobacco. Now Michael, let’s test your knowledge, are you ready?

  Michael: I’m ready!

  Bob: Alright. True or false: Nicotine can harm the developing teen’s brain as the brain keeps developing until about age 25.

  Michael: True.

  Bob: Well done Michael! If zero nicotine is written on a label, does it mean there is no nicotine?

  Michael: Yes, if it’s on there, it means there’s no nicotine.

  Bob: Actually, some vape product labels don’t disclose that they contain nicotine, and some vape liquids marketed as containing 0% nicotine have been found to contain nicotine. Does vaping help deal with stress or anxiety?

  Michael: No!

  Bob: Exactly Michael! In fact, it does the opposite. It seems to be doing this, but it acts as a band aid. When the person is not using nicotine, anxiety and stress get worse than before. So, the person needs another puff and here goes the cycle of dependence. You can ask anyone that has quit smoking. They all have to go through a period of withdrawal like any other drug. They also can still have cravings years after stopping.

  Bob: Are flavored vapes just harmless water vapor that don’t contain nicotine?

  Michael: Uh… I’m not sure.

  Bob: 99 percent of vape products sold in U.S. convenience stores contain nicotine, including many flavored and disposable products you’ve seen other kids use. Plus, the chemicals used to create vape flavorings can damage the lungs, heart and immune system, whether nicotine is present or not. Among the most toxic are the chemicals used to create some chocolate and banana flavors. That’s it guys! I hope you learned something today, so you can make decisions for yourself in the future.

  Michael: I sure will!

  Bob: Live a drug-free life!

  SUPE:  Hey Guys! I’m back! If anyone tells you that vaping is harmless, it is not true. Most teens vape because it seems cool and are told it’s less harmless than tobacco or marijuana smoke. There’s nothing cool about harming yourself. Instead, lead by example, be healthy, and get others to be like you! [laughs] #beingdrugfreeiscool. I’ll see you soon and live a drug-free life!

   

  Sources: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/e-cigarettes.html
  https://www.healthline.com/health/vaping-vs-smoking-weed#risks
  https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#:~:text=for%20more%20information.-,As%20of%20February%2018%2C%202020%2C%20a%20total%20of%202%2C807%20hospitalized,Rico%20and%20U.S.%20Virgin%20Islands).

Test Your Knowledge on Vaping

• | How does vaping work?
    Get Answer Here — 0:56  
• | Can vaping pen contain marijuana?
    Get Answer Here — 2:06  
• | Can vaping damage the lungs?
    Get Answer Here — 2:46  
• | Can vaping be more harmful for your lungs than smoking?
    Get Answer Here — 3:14  
• | If 0 nicotine is written on a label, does it mean there is no nicotine?
    Get Answer Here — 4:00  
• | Does vaping help deal with stress or anxiety?
    Get Answer Here — 4:20  
• | Are flavored vapes just harmless water vapor that don’t contain nicotine?
    Get Answer Here — 4:52  

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