Exploring the Roots & Health Consequences of Vaping Among Gen Z

Written by Nate Hyman

How could we resist the sweet and savory flavors of air created by a vape? My name is Nate. I’m a sophomore at Poly Prep High School in Brooklyn, NY, and have been interning at Cancer Sherpa for the past two months.

I believe that mental health struggles are at the cause of the vaping trend, and the only way to solve this issue is by offering an alternative, healthier way to improve the lives of Gen Z. Mental health issues that Gen Z faces can mainly be attributed to the state of the world we live in today. This topic will be explored more thoroughly in my next blog post, the second part of a three-blog series addressing the dangers and potential solutions to Gen Z’s rampant use of vaping.

Vaping is inhaling and exhaling aerosol, or vapor, from an electronic device. These devices can be pens, cartridges, or bars. Most vapes contain nicotine, other chemicals, and artificial flavoring.

Vaping is a more modern and “cool” form of consuming nicotine, as opposed to traditional cigarettes and pipes. Its fruity and floral flavors can appeal to children in ways that cigarettes could never. The advanced technology makes it easier for younger people to understand as we have grown up with technology.

The popularity of vaping, particularly in teenagers and young adults, stems from the mental health issues that many of us face. The nicotine in vapes is thought to be calming. However, it is not. Additionally, since traditionally, smoking is widely known to cause many forms of cancer, vaping likely does, too.

Although teenagers cannot get vapes legally, there are many loopholes, and people who value money over the health of children. The first significant contributor is the brands that target children with their advertising. On a local level, it isn’t difficult to find an adult who will buy you a vape if you pay them extra. Unsurprisingly, some delis and stores do not even ask for ID when they know that the person they are selling to is clearly not 21+.

With such widespread availability, this is why it’s important to address the root cause of vaping and help teenagers and young adults find other, healthier ways to cope with stress and mental health struggles.

Know someone struggling to give up vaping, or looking for ways to talk to someone you believe needs help? Contact us today.