With the rise in vaping among people trying to quit smoking, electronic cigarettes have become increasingly popular and accessible. Although these devices are marketed as an alternative for the smokers, typically JUUL has become the new sensation among young people who don’t otherwise smoke traditional tobacco products.
Most vaping devices and pens are designed to mimic conventional cigarettes or cigars. However, a JUUL is designed differently. It is a long, flat device with a smooth surface, almost like a USB flash drive. The ingredients are activated by heating instead of a flame, and it’s charged by a USB charger. It contains liquid cartridges or pods that hold vape juice with nicotine. These pods come in a variety of flavors. The device and the pods can be purchased at local vape shops, online or even at gas stations. You have to be above 21 years of age to purchase them, according to the JUUL website.
Although e-cigarettes and vapes may be perceived as less dangerous and destructive than actual cigarettes, they have been implicated in significant lung injuries as evidenced by hundreds of recent lawsuits. Just one JUUL pod contains nearly 5% nicotine – the equivalent of a full pack of cigarettes, whereas devices other than JUUL typically deliver less than 3% nicotine. Most users who are previous smokers prefer a nicotine percentage closer to 1.2-2.4%, which is still far less than a JUUL pod.
When adolescents and teens use e-cigarettes, they risk potentially-serious adverse health consequences, including:
- Brain injury and changes in behaviors: Adolescent brains are more susceptible to injury because they are not yet fully developed. Possible implications include behavioral changes, mood disorders and lower impulse control.
- Addiction: Young adults and teens are very susceptible to substance abuse and addiction due to immature brain development. This can also lead to eventual use of more dangerous tobacco products.
- Lung and cardiovascular risks: The aerosol can contain other harmful products and ultrafine particles that can have adverse health consequences on the lungs and cardiovascular system.
Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate e-cigarettes, packaging does not feature any warning labels about the possible health risks. However, last year, the FDA did announce that it would require e-cigarette companies to submit their products for review by 2022.
As an addiction causing product, JUUL has been labeled a gateway drug and can cause other problems like coughing, dry or sore throat, dizziness, nausea or stomach ache, and headaches.
In addition, JUUL has been implicated in irresponsible marketing to attract minors, despite the fact that it is not a safe product for use by teens and adolescents.
