The Phantom Voice
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THE phantom Menace
Contrasting sharply with our previous issue's theme of benevolence, our writers have set out to channel their stereotypical, angst-ridden teen selves. For most, this was no difficult task, for that is exactly what we are: angst-ridden teens. Ladies and gentlemen: Our Rant Issue
Parker Schug For many years, cigarettes have been a problem plaguing society. Not only was the tobacco in cigarettes damaging to smokers bodies, but it was also bad for the environment, and harmful to non-smokers breathing in 2nd hand smoke. When the invention of electronic cigarettes came about, it provided hope for those seeking a solution to this toxic phenomenon. However, these electronic cigarettes are causing more damage than relief. This device developed to minimize the dangers of smoking has been corrupting generations of youth, with chemicals even more toxic than those in regular cigarettes. Back in 2003, the first E-Cigarette was invented. This small battery powered device allowed smokers to get the nicotine they are addicted to without the harmful effects of tobacco, and was meant to put an end of second-hand smoke. As opposed to having to light a cigarette, these electronic cigarettes would heat liquid to the point of vaporizing, which the user can inhale in order to get the nicotine fix they craved. While electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco, they do contain many harmful chemicals such as propylene, glycol, and glycerin. In addition, these e-cigarettes contain very small particles that can be inhaled into lungs, as well as metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead. Another ingredient in e-cigarettes that is not only damaging on the human body, but also damaging to society is flavorings. In order to make the vapor produced by these electronic cigarettes more appealing, flavors are added, such as bubble gum, fruity flavors, and mint. As great as these flavors may seem to e-cigarette users, they are more damaging than good. Most flavorings contain dangerous chemicals the most damaging of which being diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung disease. But the greatest problem with these flavorings is that they are appealing to an entirely different age group than cigarettes are, youth. Currently, more high school students are using e-cigarettes than adults. These devices are particularly dangerous for youth because their brains are quickly developing until the age of 25. Each time a new skill, or craft is learned, our brain creates synapses between brain cells. Being that addiction is a learned behavior, teens and youth are at a higher risk for getting addicted to nicotine since their brains are created synapses at quicker rates. Additionally, it is more likely for people who get addicted to nicotine young, to get addicted to other drugs later in life. So not only are e-cigarettes not helping the problem of stopping nicotine addiction, but they are causing greater problems, such as introducing younger generations to drugs. The initial idea behind e-cigarettes was that they would put an end to cigarette addiction. However, as time has gone on, they have become more and more popular among non-smokers. The harmful chemicals in these electronic cigarettes can cause long-term damage on the human body, and other ingredients, such as flavorings, are targeting e-cigarettes towards youth. If this new device continues to grow popular, there is a possibility that generations to come will have other drug problems and increased addiction. Unless you hope to see your children and grandchildren living in an age of addiction, the use of electronic cigarettes needs to controlled, just as the high cigarette smoking rates were years ago. https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/ https://www.vaporfi.com/learn/e-cigarettes-types.html https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247147.php
1 Comment
Dorothy Knowlton Johnson
2/22/2018 10:49:18 pm
Well written article on information about E-Cigarettes. Vap shops should be mandated to post this information on every window shop. Better yet, commercials informing the public on the dangers of E-Cigarettes. This information must be brought to light for the health of our youth.
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