Why vapes are hurting students in school

by Ever V.

There are always ads that warn people to stop vaping because of how much it damages you. It has gotten so popular to the point where there are warnings about it on school billboards. Not just Highschool but also middle and in some cases elementary schools. If you haven’t heard about this product then you’ve been living under a rock. This nicotine product is basically an electronic cigarette that has chemicals in it like THC,CBD, nicotine, propylene glycol, etc. People over the age of 18 can buy this, which makes it more accessible, and I personally just don’t like it.

I personally don’t like it because of the burnt smell it gives off in the air. I remember when I was driving one time and I had one of my friends with me and as he exhaled all the smoke; I smelt this awful scent of something fruity, as if it was like someone was doing donuts with their tires with that fake perfume scent on top of it. I could not believe my friend would put that crap into his lungs!

This product hurts teens in the way it gives them addictions. For example, every time I go to ANY bathroom at this school ( Airport High School) there is always these nic fiends in the bathroom asking someone else for a hit. It has gotten out of control, and it is pathetic how teens are letting a harmful product control their lives.

Lastly, it hurts their physical health. Studies have shown that vaping causes stress, anxiety, panic attacks, & depression. It also causes teens to have an acne breakout with shortness of breath and nausea because of all the chemicals that are put in it.

I had an interview with some students at Airport HighSchool, some had agreements and others had disagreements. This one student who wishes to be anonymous is a sophomore at the highschool and had a disagreement with this topic. His response was, “ It may be bad for you but for me, it takes away my stress and helps me cope”. Now, I understand that students may have a different opinion than me and say, “ Oh you know it feels good” or “ It’s my choice I do whatever I want.” It's understandable and some people may take it as I’m forcing them to quit or I’m all up in their lives. No. All I’m trying to do is inform people on what they already or should already know. So that it may give you a second look at the situation that YOUR’E in.

I asked two more students about how they felt on this situation and Demitrious J., a sophomore at this highs chool said, “Well, obviously it’s bad for you, [but] I don't know why these dopeheads even put their lips on it. You’ll die in the next 14 years.” In addition, Cristian S., also a sophomore at Airport High School, says, “ Me personally, I don’t like it and I do agree that it smells bad and I hope the best for everyone and that they can put the vapes down and get the help they need.”

As I said before this nicotine product is hurting students and is nothing but a stress giver because if these kids are thinking they are reducing stress now by vaping, imagine the real stress they will have in a few years when they are legit dying from having vaped. What a shame it would be. Furthermore what if we were to have another World War? Who would the President depend on? Obviously the citizens of the U.S. help support and defend our country but with all of this damaging the bodies of not just teens but adults too because of all the sickness we have in our systems because of this nicotine that many people crave for? It would just be a matter of time til the end.