Duncannan County, Pennsylvania (WHP) - The resurgence of e-cigarettes is impacting young children's behavior as they pick up the habit. "We are seeing a lot of kids, even in middle school, start using these products," says Smoke-Free Kids Chairman Matthew Myers. "They are getting addicted before the law even allows them to purchase it." "The adolescent brain is more susceptible to addiction because they are still developing.
The CDC has reported that by 2021, over 2 million middle and high school students will have used e-cigarettes, with over 40% of those who try e-cigarettes becoming addicted. "Over the past five years, we have seen an increase each year in the number of kids becoming addicted through experimentation," said Miles. Educators are concerned that as more students return to in-person learning, it opens the door to peer pressure regarding e-cigarette use.
We are seeing an increasing number of children using electronic cigarettes in schools," explained Dr. Jin. "This means they are using them everywhere." Medical professionals and educators agree that electronic cigarettes are harmful to brain development, specifically the parts of the brain responsible for learning, attention, and memory. Officials also express concern over the impact of electronic cigarettes on children's future health.
According to Dr. King, high levels of nicotine ingested through a child's lungs can result in severe lung damage. Each Juul pod reportedly contains nicotine equivalent to that in a pack of 20 cigarettes. "Sweet flavors mask the harshness of nicotine, and children are unaware of the danger," added Miles. Flavors are a major factor, with 85% of children who vape choosing flavored products, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Children picked it up, thinking it smelled nice and tasted sweet," said Miles. In June, the FDA ordered Juul products to be taken off the market, but was blocked by litigation from Juul. As new e-cigarette pens continue to hit the market, advocates are calling on the FDA to ban all flavored e-cigarettes.
The introduction of new products, such as the Puff Bar, has resulted in a 240% increase in sales over the past two years," said Miles.
Children who start using e-cigarettes are at a much higher risk of smoking regular cigarettes in the future," added Dr. Jin.
Officials say that parents have the right to teach their children about the dangers of smoking and vaping without being required to do so. The key recommendation is to understand why children are using electronic cigarettes and what can help them quit the habit.
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