The smell of sweet fruit or cotton candy drifting down the hallway might seem harmless. For many North Central students, though, that smell is a sign of something far more dangerous.
Vaping, a habit once marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, has quickly become one of the biggest health threats to teens today. Vaping is the inhaling of an aerosol (mist) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device.
These devices are on the rise among teens and pre-teens. Countless studies now highlight the harmful effects of e-cigarettes on developing bodies and minds.
“I think it is bad because it is illegal and can mess up people’s brains especially at a young age,” sophomore, Tessa Eynon said.
Nicotine, the addictive substance found in nearly all e-cigarettes, is especially harmful to growing bodies. Research shows it can slow brain development and make it harder to focus, learn, and remember information.
“But one thing that a lot of students don’t consider is the mental issues of vaping. There’s a lot of research coming out now, showing that it leads to a significant increase in anxiety, stress and depression,” Stevenson said.
Nicotine poisoning is another serious concern, particularly with the high concentrations now found in many vape products. Symptoms can range from nausea and dizziness to seizures and respiratory failure.
The dangers don’t stop there. E-cigarette aerosols contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and acrolein—known carcinogens that can cause long-term damage to the lungs. Even the flavorings that make vaping appealing to teens are dangerous.
The flavorings in vapes, often marketed to lure younger users, add a large layer of concern. Inhaling them can cause severe respiratory issues, such as bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung.”
“Nicotine’s the biggest chemical in vaping devices. A vaping device has significantly more nicotine than a cigarette has. But also the chemicals they use to flavor vapes, they’re finding that those are also major health concerns as well,” Stevenson said.
Kids often start vaping because of peer pressure, the cool factor it may seem to give off, or the sweet flavors that mask the harmful chemicals. Plus, they might think it’s a safer alternative to smoking, but that’s actually a myth.
“One of the biggest things for our students is fitting in,” Stevenson said. “Once you become addicted, that temptation is always going to pull you back. You need a strong support group to stay on track.”
Recognizing you have a problem is often the first step in quitting. Vaping can be a tough habit to break, but understanding the risks and wanting to quit is the first victory. Talking to friends, family, or a school counselor can provide a boost of encouragement and accountability.
“I think finding other alternatives to tend to be busy, maybe get involved in sports or clubs or things, just something for you to do during your downtime to where you’re not tempted to always rely on that,” Stevenson said.
Finding healthy distractions is also key. Think about activities that bring joy and keep your hands and mind occupied—sports, art, music, or even just hanging out with friends who don’t vape. These can help replace the urge to vape with more positive experiences.
At North Central, school leaders say vaping has become a serious safety concern.
“It is a very serious safety issue here at North Central and students should be better informed about the health risks,” freshman administrator Brian said.
Vaping might look trendy, but beneath the fruity flavors and sleek devices lies a habit that’s stealing students’ health, focus, and peace of mind. For teens caught in the vapor trail, the first step out is knowing the truth.
