As of September, all vapes not approved by the U.S. Federal Department of Agriculture are banned from being sold in Wisconsin. It may seem like an extreme restriction but vape users must realize that this regulation is for the sake of their health.
Vapes have taken young people by storm with their unique flavors and easy access. Gaining popularity since the 2010s, vaping created a health epidemic among users, which justified the banning of vape sales in Wisconsin.
The dangerous composition of vapes poses many health risks for those who become addicted. Vapes were initially believed to be a safer alternative to combustible forms of smoking — any form of smoking that requires a smoker to light the product.
However, vapes share many of the same chemical contents and health risks as traditional smoking. A study from Johns Hopkins University found that there were dangerously high levels of heavy metals, including nickel, chromium, lead, manganese and arsenic.
When inhaled, these heavy metals are deposited deep into the lungs. Over time, severe inflammation can occur.
“Popcorn lung” occurs when the tiniest airways in the lungs are inflamed — even scarred — resulting in shortness of breath, wheezing and excessive coughing. Many vape users are hospitalized with popcorn lung, and despite treatment, permanent lung damage is common.
Besides the dangerous number of heavy metals in vapes, it is equally important to recognize the high nicotine concentration. The average disposable vape pod contains the equivalent of 20 cigarettes. The unique flavors they come in can distract from this fact, which is why users often become hooked.
This addiction is difficult to break and interferes with daily life. The quick relief from nicotine, along with the physical stimulation of bringing the device to the mouth, makes it challenging to abruptly quit.
Nicotine addiction is encouraged by vape brands, targeting young people with fruity flavors and the ability to be used anywhere, unlike traditional smoking.
Companies have used tactics such as student discounts, reward programs and mobile advertising to direct their messages towards a younger demographic. Through digital infiltration of vaping ads, young people are encouraged to start vaping, putting them at risk of health issues early in life.
This is an issue, as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that ages 18-24 are most likely to vape among all adults, while 24% of college students reported regular use.
The new ban allows the sale of vapes that are on the FDA’S list of authorized vapes, which eliminates many popular brands until they’re able to get approved.
This upsets both users and retailers, as the ban forces users to quit abruptly, while retailers have struggled to make profits without vapes on their shelves. Yet, it is important to remember that the FDA has the highest level of regulatory standards for what we ingest into our bodies.
Despite the public’s initial reaction, this ban will ultimately benefit people’s health, especially the younger generation. Without the burden of vaping, young people in Wisconsin will recognize the importance of taking care of their bodies and discover healthier outlets to stimulate their minds.
Outlawing the sales of vapes will help prevent people from developing a dangerous habit, hopefully diverting them to healthier hobbies.
This ban serves as a lesson for all Wisconsinites: We must be conscious about what we put in our bodies to avoid the dangerous risks associated with vaping products. Wisconsin is taking a step in the right direction of promoting healthy choices in young people’s lives by banning vape products.
This story was written by Bella Gruber. She can be reached at [email protected].
