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Wellness Minute: vaping continues to be a major health concern

MUNCIE, Ind. (NewsLink) - The conversation over the use of e-cigarettes has been continuing amid talks from law makers to put heavier restrictions on them. As the debate rages on...It's leaving some people asking questions on exactly how these devices can impact your health?

Jordan Moss, program coordinator of Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County says what you're putting in your body actually is bubbling below the surface.

"They're not just water and vapor...it's more of an aerosol, so think of your hairsprays, your cleaning supplies, deodorant...that kind of thing," said Moss.

Moss' biggest concern is the group of people participating. ‪Tabaccofreekids.org‬ says e-cigarette use increased by 400% among high school students from 2012 to 2018.

"When you talk to students in schools, most have no idea that they're bad for them. They have no idea that vaping and juuling are the same thing," said Moss.

With kids starting young, the impact is felt earlier, an impact that Moss says is worse than cigarettes. 

"With tar build up in traditional cigarettes, some of that can be reversed overtime...but with scaring of your lungs we're seeing that can be much more difficult," said Moss.

While the talk continues, Moss awaits action. He hopes companies behind vaping go up in smoke.

"Tobacco companies when cigarettes first came out actually said that if their product was ever proven to cause cancer, they would pull their products immediately. Well, we've proven it years ago, and they have not pulled their products, instead they have transitioned to something else which is unknown,” said Moss.

Moss warns if you're trying to quit traditional forms of tobacco use, do not revert to vaping, which is something he says commonly happens.

Links on how to quit:

‪https://www.in.gov/isdh/tpc/2764.htm ‬

‪https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/‬

‪https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/‬

For any comments or concerns about this story, contact the author at twbrummett@bsu.edu.