Vaping: the ins and outs of the catchy trend

Vape trends are catching on all over the U.S by the use of this electronic pen

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Vape trends are catching on all over the U.S by the use of this electronic pen

Sydney Rosinsky, Social Media Coordinator/ OpEd

A new craze has recently caught fire among teens and adults alike. This craze is known as vaping. Basically, vape pens, or vaporizers, are small devices similar in size to cigars that are used to inhale heated propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin (the main ingredients in the  e-juice).

The propylene glycol is a chemical compound that gives an odorless, faintly sweet taste when vaporized. Vegetable glycerin is also a clear, odorless liquid that is naturally produced from soy plants or coconut oil. In short, vape pens heat up these two compounds to create a thick vapor and a fruit-flavored taste.

These pens can be potentially dangerous by the type of e-juice bought with the vape. There are certain juices that contain nicotine, which we all know is an addictive substance. Some of the juices can contain other chemicals along with the two harmless ones previously stated. According to some studies, a toxic chemical commonly found in antifreeze was also found in e-juice cartridges. This has been just one of many potentially dangerous chemicals found in e-liquids. Some vape shops however, make their own blend of juices. Who really knows what types of chemicals are in these vapes?

If we are speaking comparatively, vaping is a better alternative than smoking real cigarettes or inhaling other dangerous substances. There is still a potential danger due to the fact that there could be unknown chemicals in the vapor, but as of now, there are no significant side effects to stir up a huge health concern.