Vaping Ban Battle: FDA vs. Juul

This month the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Juul, an American e-cigarette company, must stop selling its product. According to the FDA, the decision was based on insufficient and conflicting data from the company about potentially harmful chemicals in Juul’s e-liquid pods. The following day Juul appealed the decision and for now, the e-cigarettes are still being sold.

What is Vaping?

The use of an e-cigarette is often referred to as “vaping.” It comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and flavors. There is a liquid substance to heat, a place to hold the liquid, and a battery.

When heating the liquid, which usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, e-cigarettes produce an aerosol. The aerosol is inhaled into the lungs by the user and second-hand aerosol can be breathed in by those passing by once the user exhales.

The Vaping Brand

Consumers are aware of the health consequences of smoking cigarettes. Cigarettes kill at least 1-in-2 smokers prematurely and can reduce your life by 10 years due to certain cancers, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease.

The new branding of e-cigarettes attempted to eliminate that image associated with smoking and showcase sleek styles and fun flavors to appeal to an emerging audience. The marketing boasted fewer chemicals and a cooler image. “Vaping” is advertised as an attractive alternative to cigarettes, but the new name and modern look may just be smoke and mirrors. Vaping comes with a whole host of side effects and health risks.

Health Risks from Vaping

Vaping is relatively new, so we are still learning about its long-term effects. However, when it comes to vaping and your health here’s what we know about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes:

• Contains cancer-causing chemicals.
• Nicotine is very addictive, which is present in the liquid.
• Nicotine is dangerous for pregnant women and developing fetuses.
• Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development.
• Acute nicotine exposure is poisonous to both adults and children via breathing, swallowing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through the eyes or skin.
• Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused explosions and fires (mostly at times when the batteries are being charged).

Is Vaping a Gateway Drug?

Yes, there is research to suggest that vaping can be a gateway drug because it has addictive chemicals. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and increased risk for addiction to other drugs.

While not everyone who uses e-cigarettes will misuse drugs, experts say, there does appear to be a correlation between drug addiction and vaping. If you are struggling with drug addiction and looking for rehab in Mississippi, Oxford Treatment Center can help kickstart your recovery.