Vaping among youth has become a national concern
Within the past year, vaping or e-cigarette use has become a national concern. Many entities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the United States Food and Drug Administration have been investigating a national outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
As of Jan. 21, 2020, there have been a total of 2,711 hospitalized EVALI cases or deaths that have been reported to the CDC from all 50 states.
A total of 60 deaths have been confirmed in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Tests are showing that vitamin E acetate within tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarettes is what is linked to the EVALI outbreak.1 As a nation, we are seeing an increasing number of youth who are using e-cigarettes and who have been affected by the consequences.
Many organizations such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have been monitoring e-cigarette and other substance use youth among youth for the past few years. Recently, NIDA released the results of the 2019 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey. Survey participants are asked about their drug use over different periods such as lifetime, past year, and past month.
According to the survey, there is a decline in prescription opioid misuse, tobacco cigarettes, and alcohol. However, the use of e-cigarettes to vape nicotine and marijuana among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders has risen since 2018.
More specifically, all grade levels showed an increase in marijuana being vaped in the past month. The percentage of 8th graders vaping marijuana went from 2.6 to 3.9 percent, 7.0 to 12.9 percent for 10th graders, and 7.5 to 14 percent for 12th graders.
This increase in vaping marijuana could be linked to the increased number of hospitalizations and deaths associated with EVALI. Some of the most common reasons for 12th graders to vape were to:
1) experiment and see what it’s like
2) because it tastes good
3) to have a good time with my friends
4) to relax or relieve tension
5) to feel good or get high.
Most e-cigarette users reported that their favorite brand was JUUL and that vaping devises are easy to obtain.
Given the prevalence of e-cigarette use with or without marijuana, parents of teens should be aware of the warning signs.
Recognizing the use of e-cigarettes can be difficult because there is no smoke, minimal odor, and the vapor dissipates rapidly. Regardless of the mechanism of use, there are still physical signs of vaping marijuana.
The person could have bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and thirst, increased appetite, and shifts in behavior and mood. Another preventative effort can include knowing what vaping devices look like.
Some may look like flash drives (JUUL), vaping pens with or without visible liquid cartridges, and box mods.
If you suspect your child is vaping, there are some tips on how to address this issue on the drugfree.org website.