Recently, there have been requests locally for presentations and information on vaping.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, vaping is basically a means of extracting nicotine from an oil by turning the oil into a vapor and then inhaling it. It has become more and more popular, especially with kids.

At this point, everyone knows the dangers of smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco. Years and years of research has proven the multiple negative health effects.

Cigarette use has been in decline because of this, as well as the rising cost to the consumer. While cigarette use has declined, the use of vaping cigarettes or other similar devices has increased. Use by teens in some areas of the country has skyrocketed 900 percent over a short period of time.

Originally marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes, vaping devices came into the picture around 2003 in China. Early on it was believed that e-cigarettes were a safer alternative to regular cigarettes, but as time went on the true dangers were being discovered and still are.

First off, nicotine is likely to contribute to heart disease. Obviously you get nicotine through the vaping device. Many of the oils used contain many different chemicals which are toxins: Formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), nitrosamines (linked to cancer), diethylene glycol (used in antifreeze), lead (a neurotoxin), silicate particles (causes of lung disease), and acrylonitrile (a known carcinogen).

Many of the fruit-flavored e-cigarette oils produce significantly higher levels of acrylonitrile when vaped. These are just a few of the unhealthy chemicals that will be delivered to the vaping device user. I think it would be fair to say that before long additional dangers will be proven through research.

The use of marijuana oils in vaping devices is also becoming more popular. Many oils are “cut” with similar chemicals and produce carcinogens as well. The THC levels are high and the effects are more potent. Obviously these oils are illegal in most cases. E-cigarettes or vaping devices with oil containing nicotine are illegal for anyone under 18 years of age.

It has been proven that kids or teens can be more susceptible to addiction. The developing brain is constantly making “connections” as it experiences new things or learns something new. This occurs more easily in the young brain. When this brain takes in a substance, such as nicotine or another similar substance, a new circuit is created and is more solidly entrenched.

Unfortunately, the circuit is more or less based on pleasure or reward and obviously this is not a good thing. These connections are made more quickly and embedded more heavily than what would happen in an adult brain. The effects are more permanent and lasting.

Another characteristic of a developing brain is the fact that it has a decreased ability to rationalize risks or consequences. It generally inhibits the kid’s ability to always make good decisions. So taking the diminished ability to calculate risk along with the propensity for addiction, the problem is apparent.

With the rise in use of vaping devices by teenagers, there is legitimate concern considering some of the above points.

Pay attention to what your kids are doing and do them a favor by keeping them away from these devices.

Matt Djerf is the community service trooper for the Michigan State Police-Calumet Post.