A new widespread phenomenon known as Juuling has become immensely popular among not only adults, but also teenagers. Teens across the country, and especially in New York City, have partaken in this new unhealthy trend. Access to them is alarmingly easy for adolescents, despite the fact that there is an age restriction of 21+ to purchase one. It seems as if nearly anyone can walk into a local smoke shop or bodega to buy one.
There is a common misconception among teens that Juuls are a better alternative to cigarettes, but one Juul pod contains 0.7 mL with 5% nicotine, which is roughly equivalent to one pack of cigarettes. The e-liquid formula in the pods are glycerol, propylene glycol, natural oils, extracts and flavor, nicotine and benzoic acid. These ingredients are harmful and negatively affect the body just as cigarettes do. A single inhalation can stimulate a head rush from the nicotine when it enters your body. Blood and oxygen are prevented from reaching their target cells, which can make the smoker more susceptible to strokes or heart attacks. Nicotine also affects eyesight by contributing to deterioration of eyesight. The stimulant reduces the ability to see in the dark by impairing the production of pigments in your eyes that are specifically designed for low light vision. These are only some of the negative and damaging effects of Juuling.
It has become terribly easy for adolescents to obtain Juuls and other similar devices. A Junior said, “It has become an epidemic and even my thirteen year old brother does it”. Something must be done about this new, popular trend. Many teenagers who partake in this habit of Juuling might not be fully informed of the consequences of smoking them.