Through the Smoke

One of the biggest news stories this year has been the ongoing health concerns, issues, and even deaths related to vaping. The cause of these health issues remains unknown, but another question is how did vaping turn from the healthier alternative to cigarettes into a public health crisis?

In October, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors placed a ban on e-cigarettes with flavors other than menthol and tobacco.

“E-cigarettes are the first exposure many teens are experiencing with flavored products, and that alone appeals to youth to try [them], and become hooked,” Jessica Galura, an intern for the CSUN College of Health and Human Development, said. “The amount of social media influencers, and marketing that is targeted to the youth, is really what’s getting them right now.”

The Centers for Disease Control report that the death toll linked to vaping is currently at more than forty. Despite this, and the thousands of reported illnesses, some consumers continue to ignore the risks of these products.

“It is about educating, collaborating, developing new programs to help people quit,” the American Lung Association’s Marsha Ramos said. “We are trying to go into school districts and provide some education, as well as limit access to smoking and vaping, because it is quite addictive.”

Dr. Tony Kuo of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health agreed that education is one solution to this ongoing crisis. “In the last three years, the e-cigarette probably went under the radar in terms of regulation,” he said. “I think, for the Public Health Department, I think our number one priority is we need to educate the public.”

Nicotine is the component in vape products that causes addiction, as well as many other health issues. However, some of the reported illnesses have been linked to products containing THC. When addressing addiction, individuals have sought support from a wide range of rehab centers in Oregon.

“If you look at the recent CDC statistics,” Kuo said,  “almost 55 percent of people who have been hospitalized use both THC and nicotine based products. The point is, we don’t know what exactly is causing the illnesses, but we know it is all related to e-cigarettes.”

Experts say nicotine vapes can be a gateway to THC among young people. “It started off with nicotine,” Galura said.  “But it eventually led to THC concentrate vapes, while a lot of the incidents that school administrators tell us about are about THC vapes.”

“About 70 percent of the cases nationwide are associated with THC or CBD,” Dr. Chidinma Chima-Melton of UCLA’s Health Division of Pulmonology said. “Right now, I don’t think we have enough data to say what the best options are to stop this crisis.”

Moderator: Joe Willeford

Producer: Jenny Almanza

Anchor: Vivian Rayos

Social Media Editor: Damian Gordon

Reporters: Jenny Almanza, Tamie Benitez, Damian Gordon, Vivian Rayos, Joe Willeford