New reports indicate that teen use of vape pens (e-cigarettes) has doubled since 2017, and that spike in use has come with serious e-cig health problems. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reported on this statistic, says Kaiser Health News, noting that almost one in four high school seniors having used a vape in the last month. 

According to Kaiser, some teens may be aware of possible e-cig health problems, but are undeterred. Kaiser speculates that despite stories of seizures and serious nicotine addiction in connection with vape use, teens may not be looking into the future and examining the risks of picking up a vaping habit.

Additionally, teen culture may be part of why vaping has become so popular, notes Kaiser. Teens notoriously have a desire to fit it, and a fad can spread like wildfire in such an environment, especially an addictive fad. Kaiser quotes high school students who say that vaping is popular among many social groups in high schools, appealing to a wide range of kids.

However, it’s not just teen culture that may be at the root of vaping’s popularity. Experts have speculated that some e-cigarette companies may intentionally advertise their products to teens and young adults. Reportedly, vape pens often look like flash drives or other inconspicuous electronic devices, so they may be easy for kids to hide from parents and teachers.

The e-liquid itself and the marketing around vape pens may also make the products attractive; reportedly, e-liquid comes in many attractive flavors that mimic harmless food or candy products. These may attract teens. Making the devices possibly even more attractive, e-cigarettes don’t have the characteristic burn of cigarettes, meaning that they may be dangerously easy to use.

Unfortunately, e-cigarettes’ appeal to kids may be no accident. Reportedly, e-cigarette companies may have gone after the teen market in an effort to make a profit without competing with Big Tobacco’s market — that means finding a new market of people not already smoking cigarettes.

The government is attempting to curb this threat. The FDA recently barred e-cigarette companies from selling e-liquid in flavors other than tobacco and menthol. This may help prevent some teens from vaping, if they were attracted by the appealing flavors — fruit, candy, and others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also intensified warnings around vaping risks. National Public Radio reported that the CDC is warning the public to avoid all vaping products, especially noting that THC vape products may be particularly dangerous.

NPR cites Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC’s principal deputy director. Schuchat said, “It is pretty much impossible for you to know what is in the e-cigarette or vaping product that you’re getting, particularly THC-containing products bought off the street or bought from social sources.”

NPR also notes that a total of 1,080 cases connected to e-cig health problems have been reported, including 18 deaths. NPR says that the number keeps climbing, as the devices’ popularity continues to rise. More deaths are reportedly being investigated for possible links to vaping.

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