In most states, the legal age for vaping is 18. Several states have been introducing bills to raise the vaping age to 21, mostly due to the dangers of vaping.
There are many negative long-term effects of vaping, the nicotine in many e-cigarettes or JUUL cartridges can harm the brains of teens and young adults. Many of the cartridges in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are not heavily regulated, making their contents mysterious and potentially harmful. These are a few of the reasons many communities have been considering raising the vaping age.
The Dangers of Vaping
Vape pens, e-cigarettes, and JUULs are incredibly popular among teens and young adults. Over 37 percent of 12th graders report vaping within the past year, which is a 10 percent increase from the previous year’s data. [1] Vaping among teens is on the rise, and many are becoming addicted to vaping. Teens who vape are more likely to begin smoking traditional cigarettes.
Teenagers with addiction to vaping are not in the clear, as vaping is not a harmless activity as many would be led to believe. JUULs and vape pens can house many harmful chemicals that are especially harmful to teens and young adults whose minds and bodies are still developing. The brain does not finish forming until the age of 25, and exposure to dangerous chemicals in vape pens can harm a growing mind. The same goes for the body, especially the lungs, which can be damaged by the flavoring, particles, metals, and other chemicals in vapes and e-cigarettes. [2]
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Raising the Vaping Age to Reduce the Dangers of Vaping
Many states are trying to help teens avoid the need for addiction treatment by increasing the vaping age. As with alcohol, many states are trying to ban individuals under the age of 21 from purchasing vaping pens, cartridges, or supplies. This is an effort to protect young people from the dangers of electronic cigarettes and vapes.
The FDA is also seeking regulations against e-cigarettes and vapes as the use among teens continues to grow. Their efforts include ending sales of vapes in flavors that appeal to minors along with banning marketing for e-cigarettes that targets kids or teens. [2]
Vapes aren’t the only addiction teens and young adults struggle with. Many young people also struggle with alcoholism or drug addiction, but help is waiting.
Parents or teens seeking addiction treatment centers are encouraged to call our hotline at 888-280-4763 to learn how our team can help make sobriety a reality.
Sources:
- NIH – Teens using vaping devices in record numbers
- American Cancer Society – FDA Proposes Regulations as Teen E-Cigarette Use Skyrockets 78% in 1 Year
