Emily Bayardo
Staff Writer
The development of e-cigarettes has grown exponentially, with the introduc- tion of new smoking alternatives such as the vape came the birth of the juul.This device contains much more risk potential than any other alternative. Juuls have gained rapid exposure and popularity amongst teenagers and young adults within the past two years. Juuls seemed to be everything that old vapes weren’t. However, there’s a catch.
Although juuling is considered to be an “alternative” to smoking, the effects it has can be far more lethal. The company JUUL states that a single juul pod holds about the equivalent amount of nicotine- to a pack of 20 cigarettes. Meaning that the device delivers a heavier amount of nicotine to the body.
Unlike other e-cigarettes, the nicotine packs a punch and is about 5% of the weight. By number, 5% may not seem like much, however, compared to other alternatives such as vaping, the juul contains about 40% more nicotine than other e-cigarette.
The drastic amount of nicotine that is inhaled while using juuls has begun to worry doctors about the effects the juuls really have on developing adolescents. Their main concern was about the chemical effects in relation to the teenage brain. Pediatrics conducted research and stated the chemical has the ability to completely rewire the teenage brain and even encourage them to try cigarettes.These concerns suggest risks pertaining to excessive juul usage.
Pediatrics had administered a case study about an 18-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with a disease referred to as “wet lung” within only weeks after she had taken up using e-cigarettes.
Doctors believe that the girl’s lungs had an allergic reaction while ingesting the chemical, causing her respiratory system to shut down. Because of this, she had been forced onto a breathing machine until her lungs had fully recovered. This case study truly displayed the deadly impacts the chemical can inflict on the body.
The e-cigarette is a long thin rectangular shaped device that looks equivalent to an everyday USB flash drive. The device can fit right in the palm of the hand and go easily undetected in public allowing for an inconspicuous puff of the device. The juul contains a simple two-part system: the e-cigarette portion which holds the battery and the temperature regulation system. The other portion is the pod system where small cartridges can be disposed of and replaced quickly and efficiently. These cartridges are filled to the brim with a substance which is basically liquid nicotine.
Many teenagers and young adults are drawn to test the waters with the device, especially with its “attractive” flavors like mango, creme brule, mint, cucumber and so on, the buyer has a range of variety to choose from.With such variety, the device becomes marketed more so to teenagers than smokers who need an alternative to quit.
So what really is the hype behind juuls? Many individuals say that juuls are great due to its efficiency. Some share they felt it was easy to charge, obtain, and restock on pods. The device is very low maintenance which is what it has such a large appeal to its buyers and users.
The trend of juuling is at an all time high which concerns many doctors and parents. Although there is talk surrounding a pod system with less nicotine, juuling should be avoided.The health risks are far too fatal to take up as just a mindless “hobby.”