The Danger of Vaping A Silent Threat Among Young People

February 13, 2025

Miguel Sallard

Managing Editor

It’s increasingly common to see teenagers gathered on street corners, in parks, and other public spaces vaping, often in the company of friends. For many, this practice represents being “in style” or trying to look “cool,” without considering the real risk involved.

There’s a widespread belief that vaping is less harmful than cigarettes. Some people even claim that vaping has helped them quit smoking. However, it remains a major source of exposure to nicotine, a highly addictive substance legally accessible worldwide, that directly impacts brain development and lung health.

According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), youth ages 14 and older, including young adults between 20 and 25 years old, have been exposed to vaping. This growing trend is driven in part by enticing flavors and aromas offered by vape devices, without users realizing the chemicals they inhaling. In addition to nicotine, substances such as nickel, tin, lead, flavoring like diacetyl, and other harmful chemicals are present in vaping aerosol. These compounds have been linked to anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, chronic bronchitis, and cardiovascular disease that can lead to heart attacks.

Most teenagers are unaware of the real risk of vaping. Parents, on the other hand, often don’t notice what their children are keeping in their rooms or what they are sharing among friends. Vape devices come in various shapes and can resemble pens, makers, or USB drivers, making them difficult to identify.

But what’s REALLY in that puff?

It could smell like mango, strawberry, watermelon or mint, but inside it? There’s stuff you wouldn’t want near your body:

Nicotine: Messes with brain development, memory, and focus.

Propylene: The main base liquids that create the vapor.

Heavy metal: Yep, stuff like lead, tin, and nickel.

Diacetyl: A chemical linked to “popcorn lungs” (Google it, it’s nasty)

What it does to YOU?

Vaping doesn’t just hit your lungs; it hits your mental health too:

Anxiety. Depression. Trouble concentrating. Addiction.

So, before you hit that vape… think. Protect your vibe. Protect your lungs. You only get one set.

Some groups of middle and high school students use e-cigarettes at a higher percentage than others. For example, in 2024 More females than males reported current e-cigarettes use.

Current use of e-cigarettes varied by race and ethnicity.

Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native students: 11.5%

Non-Hispanic Black or African American students: 7.0%

Non-Hispanic multiracial students: 6.6%

Hispanic or Latino students: 6.1%

Non-Hispanic White students: 5.9 %

Non-Hispanic Asian students: 2.3%

Resources: Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

1. Jamal A, Park-Lee, E, Birdsey J, et al. Tobacco product use among middle and high school students – National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States.  MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.