By: KATE LUCE
Staff Writer
In the midst of the clouds from vape pens, the Trump administration announced that it would push for a nation-wide proposition on banning flavored e-cigarettes as of last week. This comes to light after several people died due to vaping, including one death in Indiana.
On top of this, there have been over a dozen hospitalizations over the past month due to vaping. NPR reports that these hospitalizations produce a pneumonia-like illness where a patient’s condition can get worse rapidly.
According to ClickonDetroit.com, Michigan has already banned the sale of flavored e-cigarettes as of Thursday, September 19. Retailers have two weeks to comply with this law. This follows the ban that was passed in San Francisco just months earlier.
Although there are many conflicting reports on what exactly is happening, The Washington Post reports that there is no linked vaping devices or products. However, The Washington Post states that possible causes could include counterfeit or contaminated products and THC [the psychoactive chemical in marijuana].
Most vape users are teens and young adults and are generally healthy. Most of this demographic did not previously smoke cigarettes. With this recent development of news, vaping has inherent risks.
“One Juul pod is the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. You’re supposed to treat it like a pack of cigarettes. If you are going through two-three pods a week, it’s going to have health effects. You just have to be responsible,” an anonymous IU South Bend student said.
However, with bans, many students feel as though people will find ways around it. Much like other illegal substances, there are ways to find it. However, the substances are not regulated, meaning it could lead to contaminated products or counterfeit ingredients.
“I don’t think banning vaping will solve anything because kids will do what they want. They will find a way. I think being a little bit more regulatory on the things they put inside of the liquid is probably the safest bet instead of trying of banning it altogether,” Alex Alert, art education student, said.
Vape users are urged to head to the hospital if they are having trouble breathing or shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain or fever-like symptoms. According to NPR, the majority of patients in these situations do get better with hospital intervention.
The Student Counseling Center is also here to help those who want to work through the steps of tackling substance misuse. Call (574) 520-4125 or stop in the Administration Building in Room 175 to set up an appointment with a counselor. The center is open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Thursday.
