Vaping devices pose a threat to young students

Will Patterson
OPINION EDITOR

Despite the decline in cigarette smoking among young people, nicotine consumption is still rising. Spray devices have given young people a new way of dressing and it is time to take action to combat it.

Electronic cigarettes have flourished in a market devoid of tar-based smoking options. Much of their success can be attributed to the belief that without the harmful chemicals found in older smoking options, e-cigarettes should not have adverse health effects. It could not be further from the truth.

Nicotine addiction is harmful to health. Any addiction can be harmful, physically and mentally.

University of Nebraska Professor of Health in Omaha, Dr. Richard Stacey, is openly opposed to the tobacco industry and other groups that generate income through addiction.

"I am rather an anti-tobacco and a powerful anti-tobacco. I do not like the industry, "Stacey said. "It seems like an effort on their part to show something else and take advantage of people's addiction to nicotine. "

A common misconception is that vaping is a healthy alternative to smoking. As Stacey explained, nicotine consumption continues to pose health problems, even without the toxic chemicals contained in cigarettes. In particular, nicotine reduces the size of arteries around the body, making blood circulation more difficult. This hurts the health of all, especially pregnant women.

"I'm afraid that women who are emptying during pregnancy are at risk of a low birth weight baby," Stacey said. "An underweight baby is one of the worst things that can happen during pregnancy."

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release, 1,300 companies that sold Juul devices and other vaping equipment to minors received warning letters and fines. In addition, the press release announced that electronic cigarette manufacturers will have to explain how they do not specifically market young people or have no serious consequences.

Previously, I considered the University of Nebraska, in Omaha, campus-wide, as an unfair treatment of nicotine addicts. I know these precautions limit the exposure of nicotine to new students and other youth who visit the campus.

"The biggest benefit of having a smoke-free campus is that young people, who do not even have a university education yet, when they come for sports events or children's programs, do not see people smoking." Stacey said. "It proves more than policies like this create a generation that does not see people smoking.

The university is partly responsible for guiding students towards healthy lifestyles. Anti-nicotine measures are just one of many steps to follow.

In the future, people should encourage their legislators to fight against nicotine-based industries and be aware of the new ways these industries will market themselves. More addictive products will inevitably be developed and the next generation will have its own challenges. Vigilance and legal action are essential to eliminate the widespread use of nicotine in our community.

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