What We Learned

Vaping is a serious issue in both our community and nationwide that needs to be addressed by and for young people. 

1. People can get serious diseases from using vapes:

• 33% chronic bronchitis

• 69% emphysema

• 57% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• 31% asthma risk

Sometimes people can even get deadly diseases, like COPD or other lung diseases.

2. Vapes contain many harmful and dangerous chemicals, including formaldehyde, nicotine, arsenic, lead, nickel, and diacetyl.

• Nicotine is extremely addictive

• Arsenic and lead are both very toxic

• Nickel can harm the lungs, stomach, and kidney

• Diacetyl has been linked to popcorn lung

• Formaldehyde is also toxic and often used in taxidermy

Because vapes are not highly regulated, there can be more than 1,000 different chemicals in them. Some of these dangerous chemicals can cause cancer.

Another concern is that marijuana vapes are also available to purchase and use. 

3. In addition to being dangerous, vaping is also extremely costly. 

• According to the University of San Francisco,  the U.S. government spends $15 billion in taxpayer dollars to help with vaping treatment

• Vaping is an expensive habit, especially for people who become addicted to it. 

  • A vape pen can cost $20-$80, and the individual cartridges cost $20-50 each. 

  • Vape cartridges last 1-2 weeks with regular use.

From our community issue research this week on vaping, we learned...

Logan: I learned about the hazards of vaping.

Jordan: I learned that vaping chemicals are using in taxidermy.

Mabel: I've learned what it really means to be an advocate.

Cayden: I learned that vaping can cause deadly diseases.

Myles: I learned that nicotine is addictive.

Benjamin: I learned that vape liquid can be absorbed through the skin and eyes and can be highly poisonous.

James: I learned vaping can cause cancer.

Jon: I learned that vaping has more than 2000 chemicals in them.