In the past, Hollywood stars were often seen smoking on-screen, promoting cigarettes in a way that made it seem “cool.” However, that trend has faded away, and today, vaping has taken its place as the new “cool” habit for many young people. It’s not just about the convenience; it’s also about the perception that vaping is harmless compared to smoking.
One local high school student shared his thoughts on vaping, saying, “It’s easy, plus kind of cool when you carry around a vape pen. And there’s no religious component in my mind. I think I’m just fine to vape. I’m not smoking.” This sentiment is shared by many young people who view vaping as a safer and cooler alternative to smoking.
However, public health experts warn that while vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it is by no means safe. Dr. David Blodgett, Southern Utah’s Public Health Director, emphasized that while vaping might be a better option than smoking when it comes to health, the difference is minimal. Appearing on the Andy Griffin Show, he pointed out that there is a major concern with vaping that makes it even more dangerous in certain cases.
Blodgett explained, “One of the things I’m most worried about with vapes is they become this perfect vehicle for delivering all kinds of things. The numbers are pretty stable for how many kids are taking up vaping for nicotine. Where it’s becoming really a problem is the other stuff in there—marijuana and stuff like that. Guys in the ER will tell you all kinds of crazy stuff ends up in those vape pens—lighter fluid or whatever—and they’re inhaling it.”
The vape market has exploded in recent years. Just two years ago, there were fewer than 400 vape products on the market. Today, there are nearly 10 times that number. This rapid growth in the availability of vape products, combined with their appeal to young people, has made vaping an even bigger concern for public health officials.
States like Utah have targeted flavored vapes, which are especially popular among school-aged children. However, despite these efforts, sales of e-cigarettes continue to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarettes are now the number one choice for tobacco delivery in the United States, surpassing traditional cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular tobacco products among youth:
- E-Cigarettes – 5.9%
- Nicotine Pouches – 1.8%
- Cigarettes – 1.4%
- Cigars – 1.2%
- Smokeless Tobacco – 1.2%
- Other Oral Nicotine Products – 1.2%
- Heated Tobacco Products – 0.8%
- Hookahs – 0.7%
- Pipe Tobacco – 0.5%
In total, about 10.1% of high school students use tobacco products, which translates to around 1.58 million youth tobacco users in the United States. In Southern Utah, this percentage is slightly lower, but local school officials still report seeing significant evidence of tobacco use among students.
While vaping may seem like a safer alternative to smoking, health experts caution that it is far from harmless. Like smoking, vaping can lead to serious health issues such as lung cancer, heart disease, and other chronic respiratory conditions. The chemicals in e-cigarettes, including nicotine and other potentially harmful substances, can have long-term negative effects on the lungs and overall health.
It’s clear that vaping is becoming the new “cool” for many young people, but it’s important to recognize the serious risks associated with it. Just as with smoking, being “cool” comes at a cost to one’s health.
The rise of vaping among youth is not just a trend—it’s a public health issue that needs more attention. Parents, educators, and health professionals must work together to educate young people about the dangers of vaping and encourage healthier habits. After all, no matter how “cool” something may seem, it’s never worth risking your health.
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