I knew that smoking electronic cigarettes or “vaping” has become more prevalent, but I never expected my middle school daughter to ask about it. In fact, when she said, “Mommy, what’s JUUL?” I had no idea what she was talking about. Fearful that it was a new illegal drug, I searched the term online. Nope, JUUL e-cigarettes are legal and more and more kids are getting their hands on them. After learning more about JUUL, I had a serious conversation with both of my kids about the dangers of e-cigarettes. I hope you’ll pass this information along to other parents you know.
This is a sponsored post on behalf of ConsumerSafety.org. All opinions are 100% my own.
What is JUUL?
JUUL is made up of two basic parts: the e-cigarette holds the battery and regulates the temperature of the vapor. The “pod” contains e-liquid inserted into the end of the device. A pod is made up of:
- Nicotine
- Benzoic acid
- Glycerol
- Propylene glycol
- Flavorants
Sounds more like a chemistry set and not anything I would want my kids putting into their bodies.
All Parents Should Know about JUUL
In case you are unaware, JUUL e-cigarettes are gaining popularity with kids, even in middle school and below. Their sleek, attractive design and enticing flavors make them even more attractive to young people. With flavors like cucumber, mango and mint, many kids are more intrigued about trying them.
The JUUL’s small size make them easy hide in a pencil bag or pocket. Chances are, if you have kids in middle and high school, they have heard about, tried, or know someone who has tried JUULing.
Key Information to know about kids and JUUL
While my kids both report that they have not seen e-cigarette use at school, they have heard about JUUL and knowing a few students who say they use them.
- A CDC report in 2017 found that 3 out of every 100 middle school students and 12 out of every 100 high school students reported using electronic cigarettes.
- According to this study in 2015, teen boys used e-cigarettes 6% more than girls.
- Kids have a 30% high risk of smoking traditional cigarettes after using e-cigarettes for 6 months.
- This study indicated that nicotine in e-cigarettes has an effect on the brain that makes harder drugs like cocaine seem more attractive to try.
Dangers of JUULing
With the help of the ConsumerSafety.org, I’ve put together this information to help education parent on the dangers using JUUL e-cigarettes. The #1 most staggering fact to me was this:
One JUUL pod contains 40 mg of nicotine. That’s around 20 cigarettes worth and “double the concentration found in other e-cigarettes,” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What are the Side Effects of JUULing?
Short-term effects include dry mouth, dizziness, cough, dry skin and eyes, and itchiness.
Long-term effects are still up for debate, but many doctors are already reporting the following long-term side effects:
- Deterioration of lung tissue
- Effects on brain development – especially among youth under the age of 25.
- Lung disease
- Chronic bronchitis
- Insulin resistance
Why do kids get addicted to JUULing?
Of course, we all know that nicotine is addicting, but there are biological reasons that kids are more susceptible to addiction. According to the U.S. Surgeon General:
“Until about age 25, the brain is still growing. Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections – or synapses – are built between brain cells. Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Because addiction is a form of learning, adolescents can get addicted more easily than adults.”
The New England Journal of Medicine says,
“80% of 15-to-24-year-olds who try Juul continue using the product and why social media posts saying “addicted to my Juul” are common.”
This information is frightening to me. How about you? I strive to keep my family healthy so talking to my kids about JUUL and e-cigarettes is a priority for me.
Help spread the word
More and more people are filing lawsuits against JUUL claiming that the products are causing health problems, especially nicotine addiction. I certainly hope there will be more legal controls over the use of e-cigarettes.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate e-cigarettes. Because of this, the packaging does not feature warning labels about health risks. As parents, we need to be informed and keep our kids informed.
Please share this information with other parents you know. Let’s keep our kids safe and healthy together!
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I haven’t heard about this type of e-cig, but my husband uses a different version with a tank. He smoked cigarettes for over 50 years before he switched to the e-cig. I personally think he is more hooked on the e-cig than he was on tobacco. I wish he could stop, but he can’t. Its that addictive. I can’t imagine what his lungs look like.
Yep, its crazy how popular this is right now and with young people. I cringe. Great info that needs to be spred!
They had an assembly at my kid’s school about it. Mine know smoking is bad no matter what form it is.
I have been hearing all the bad things so much lately. It is thick around here. All the kids do it thought! 🙂
With two middle schoolers, this is a conversation that we have had and will keep revisiting. Thank you for the additional ammo to use when talking to my kids!
Vaping is awful, and no one should do it. Ever.
I didn’t even know this was a thing! Thank you for giving insight on this – my niece just started high school and she often comes to me for talks and advice.
I talked to my son about smoking or vaping. He knows how I feel about it!
It’s sad that as parents we have to have these conversations with our kids. But it’s so important that we do! Why can’t the stay kids a little longer? They shouldn’t be tempted with these types of things!
E-cigs are getting so popular. Kids don’t even realize how dangerous e-cigs can be.
I had never heard of them being called Juul before. Very commendable the way you approached your kids’ curiosity regarding this matter and glad you are spreading the word.
I feel that kids nowadays know as much if not more than adults, but it seems like there’s just enough knowledge to get yourself into trouble. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
It is great that you are sharing this information! My kids have friends that vape and are addicted to their Juuls. It is very discouraging, but the good thing for me is I’ve overheard my kids comment about stupid it is. Since they are 18 and 21 years old, there’s nothing I could do if they choose to vape, but I’m hoping they don’t. I’ve always told them that there is no reason for people to smoke (or vape) in this age, but it is understandable why my parents’ generation has so many smokers.
Wow they are so small! I wouldn’t have realised it was a Vaap at all and I’ve not heard of the name before. This is a great post to help parents.
It is a new problem we have to deal with as parents I guess. I never really thought about it before now but I guess it does make sense, kids perceive these as safer than cigarettes but they don’t think about the harmful effects as well.
I seen this on the news a lot lately. Thanks for sharing this information. A lot of it I had no idea about.
I talk to my kiddos regularly about smoking or vaping. He has a good idea know what it is although I am pretty sure that he will ask a few more times.
Thank goodness these types of cigarettes aren’t popular around here where we live. I can’t stand any kind of smoking at all and think it just stinks and so bad for your health. Really wish these would be gone for good.
I’ve heard about this! I think it’s sad that so many teens are smoking this. I always tell mine to stay away. I hope they continue to listen.