Prior to 2019, 18 year olds were able to purchase these devices that were appealing due to the fruity and juicy flavors. Due to 18 year olds being able to purchase these devices until the law changed in 2019, fruity juices seem to be more enjoyable to inhale for young individuals and more delightful to have that fruity taste instead of that minty, menthol taste or tobacco taste in their mouth while they are inhaling.
The ingredients in vape juices is a bit of a mystery and the heating coral releases unknown chemical substances and metal.
Many vape juices advertise that they contain vitamin E which is a great nutrient but not good to inhale because it produces a highly toxic gas called Kentene.The majority of the ingredients in vape juices have many different harming chemicals.
Frequent vaping could potentially lead to serious health problems, a major one is popcorn lung. One of the most harmful ingredients in vape juices that causes popcorn lung is diacetyl. It is used to “complement” flavoring such as vanilla, maple, strawberry and more. Popcorn lung develops when the tiny air sacs get scarring in the lung resulting in the thickening, narrowing of the airways due to the toxins coming through the vape devices. It is a serious lung disease that causes wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
A study released in 2021 revealed that more than 2 million U.S middle and high school school students reported currently using vapes. Vapes tend to be easier to hide with all the new devices that are coming out being pocket safe.
Steve Pitkin, a prevention intervention specialist at LSHS, offers support services to any student who gets in trouble for possession or use of vape products at school. Pitkin stated that he has seen a trend of small devices that are easier to conceal unlike mods.
“The main trends with vaping devices have been stealthy design, so it’s easy to conceal while going to the bathroom since the devices are so small. It also seems to be that disposables are the easiest, so students can just throw them away whenever they want,” Pitkin said.
Vaping is harmful to the body, but it seems to be more difficult for teens to quit since there are higher doses of nicotine in these vape devices.
“I have tried quitting before, but I feel like I just rely on it so much because I have these little ‘habits’ and ‘routines’ when I vape. I vape after I eat, after I wake up from bed and especially if I am having a stressful day,” an anonymous junior at LSHS said.
Nicotine seems to be a comfort for people, it can give people a “buzz” and a “head rush”. It activates a specific part of your brain that makes you feel “happy” by stimulating the release of the hormone dopamine although the aftermath of inhaling causes people’s blood pressure and heart rate to increase.
“I know it is not good for me because sometimes after I hit my device my chest tends to start hurting and I realize I have to put more effort into breathing because my heart is pulsating so fast,” an anonymous senior student at LSHS said.
Although we won’t know what our future holds for our young generation after July 14. A bill was signed into law by President Biden for any synthetic nicotine product not authorized by FDA must come off the market. This means there could be a decrease in the number of students owning a device.

Anyone who needs help with any tips or coping skills with quitting nicotine can find resources at Lake Stevens High School. You are able to come down to Pitkin’s office or email him at [email protected]. His room is located down in the learning commons, room VH2143.