An outbreak of vaping-related lung disease has caused severe illness and death throughout many states in America. Over 5 deaths and an overall 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with e-cigs and JUUL products have been recorded since September 6, 2019 throughout 33 states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "no evidence of infectious disease has been identified; therefore, lung illnesses are likely associated with chemical exposure."(n.d.). Outbreak of Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked with E-cigarette Product Use.)

JUUL devices work through the heating of "juice" that contains nicotine, chemicals, and flavoring, creating an aerosol for users to inhale. On college campuses, JUUL products are a commodity among students. Young people are seen smoking them in lines at clubs, in the library; there have even been announcements to prevent students from smoking them during class periods!

Along with this, although they are said to be a healthier replacement for cigarettes, they as well contain their own set of health risks. The only difference between the two is that the long term side effects of JUUL are still being tested due to the fact that the company has only been around since 2007.

A generation of "lab rats," as they call the college students of America in a PSA commercial released by _____, are being physically and emotionally impacted by the large amounts of nicotine they're consuming on a daily basis. The USB-shaped devices, that most adults and teachers have trouble recognizing as an e-vape, seem to almost encourage college students to sneak a puff during class. Schools across the nation are banning JUULs from their campuses.

Some known, common side effects of JUULing stem from the benzoic acid inhaled from the juice within the pod. Side effects include nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, coughing, and sore throat. This form of e-vaping also puts people at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, respiratory/lung damage, and even – according to recent research – damage to genetic material, or DNA.

JUULing is highly addictive and is not necessarily the safer alternative to cigarettes that people claim it to be. One JUUL pod (or approximately 200 puffs) is estimated to be equally as damaging as smoking an entire pack of cigarettes.

More and more cases of individuals experiencing severe health issues are arising from the smoking of this e-vape. It is widely perceived as a safer form of smoking nicotine when in reality JUULing is becoming a danger to the youth of America.

References:

Outbreak of Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked with E-cigarette Product Use. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#latest-outbreak-information