Overview
Vaping, the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, has become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes in the United States. However, an alarming rate of teenagers or even pre-teens using vape or similar devices has raised serious concern in schools and communities. More than 3 million middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in 2015, up from 2.46 million in 2014, according to the Food and Drug Administration. With various vape companies marketing their products with flavors that appeal to the youth such as cotton candy or sour gummy worms, underage users often undermine the severe health consequences of their actions. Although there aren’t any solidified research of the new technology, many doctors and health professionals state that vaping is a gateway drug to actual cigarettes and other forms of nicotine. In addition, Brian King, the deputy director for research in the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, states that underage vaping could increase chances of lung cancer, bronchitis and the development of serious nicotine addiction. Due to these alarming threats, many communities, including concerned teachers, parents, and administrators have attempted to take various means of preventing and putting an end to this dangerous trend. Following these concerns, the Food and Drug Administrations have taken action of their own in an attempt to battle this epidemic. In April, the F.D.A. ordered the company “Juul,” the most popular vape brand among both adults and teens, to turn over documents related to promotional contests, as well as anything related to product design and the appeal, potentially targeted for youth. In response, Juul has promised to spend over $30 million to keep its products away from underage users. However, questions regarding the legitimacy of the Food and Drug Administrator’s intentions have developed due to their decision of delaying any pivotal regulations until 2022, as part of a plan to overhaul tobacco regulations. The various actions taken by communities, companies, and F.D.A. have been insufficient, causing a serious debate on the solution to this extremely dangerous epidemic.
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