This is a post published in partnership with ConsumerSafety.org
As a parent of pre-teens and a toddler in addition to being a former high school and middle school educator, I know this debate between cigarette use, nicotine consumption and how it effects teens intimately. As the conversation on the dangers of e-cigarettes, vaping, traditional cigarettes and nicotine to teenagers become more prevalent and increasingly studied, parents are asking more questions and asking for more data to assist in their decision-making and deciding what is best for their family. It is also helpful to become familiar with the topic at hand when you discuss health issues with your children. It also helps you be prepared to help them make wise choices about their wellness and the activities that impact their health.
Here are some answers to some of the questions related to this multi-billion dollar tobaccoindustry to help you in your decision making:
What is a “JUUL”?
A Juul, often referred to as a “pod” is a cartridge that contains a fluid that is used in the propriety vaping system by JUULLabs. The FDA is becoming more consistent in its requirement for e-cigarette companies to list the ingredients contained within their pods and specifically give more detailed nicotine content. A Juulpod contains a blend of glycerin, nicotine, benzoic acid, extracts and flavoring agents.
JUULpods, in addition to other e-cigarettes, contain various levels of nicotine and are sold often times by the strength of the nicotine in the pod. Each JUUL pod contains 40 mg of nicotine; according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this is “double the concentration of nicotine found in other e-cigarettes.”
● Extracts and Flavor: The exact ingredients of these flavor-enhancing additives are proprietary and are not shared publicly by JUUL, but a 2018 study in Pediatrics determined that tobacco and fruity e-cigarette flavors contain higher than average amounts of cancer-causing chemicals.
● Benzoic Acid: This ingredient is typically used as a preservative and is commonly added to food and beverages. The FDA has neither denounced nor officially pronounced benzoic acid safe for human consumption; though as a reference point, this additive is used frequently to inhibit the growth of both bacteria and fungi.
● Nicotine: Obtained from the leaves of the tobacco plant, this addictive compound and equals anywhere between 0.6% and 3.0% of the dry weight of tobacco. Studies have repeatedly shown that the chemical make-up of nicotine and tobacco are highly addictive and of a nature that the body comes to crave and become dependent on its use.
● Glycerine: This naturally occurring compound is non-toxic, colorless, odorless and typically tastes quite sweet. It is used to deliver added flavor to the pods.
● Propylene Glycol: Deemed as “generally classified as safe” by the FDA, this is an odorless, colorless, synthetic liquid is designed to absorb water. The effect on the structure of the human system remains to be studied and seen.
Ok, good to know. So what else?
What are some of the side-effects of vaping or “juuling”?There are several short-term and long-term side effects of vaping/JUULing. Short-term effects include, but are not limited to:
Dry mouth and skin, dizziness, cough and bleeding gums, itchiness, dry eyes, insomnia {particularly when attempting to quit} and nosebleeds.
And protracted use includes increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Long term side effects include, but are not limited to:
Deterioration of lung tissue, noticeable effects on brain development, lung disease, chronic bronchitis and insulin resistance.
So where do I go to find more information?
Here are some helpful resources from the Truth Initiative, Penn State, American Association of Pediatrics and the American Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
To learn more and to begin the conversation with your teens, visit here.
