The Rise of Vaping Among Young Adults: Trends and Concerns
Ask students: Why do you think vaping has become more popular among young adults? How does nicotine exposure affect brain development and mental health?
Introduction
Vaping has become increasingly popular among young adults, raising concerns among health professionals and policymakers. A recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics reveals a significant rise in e-cigarette use among individuals age 18 and older. But what does this trend mean for public health, and why is it a growing concern?
Key Terms
- E-Cigarettes/Vapes: battery-operated devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that users inhale.
- Nicotine: a highly addictive substance found in both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
- Secondhand Vapor: the aerosol exhaled by users, which may contain harmful chemicals.
- Brain Development: the ongoing process in young adults that nicotine exposure can negatively impact.
- Regulation: government policies and restrictions on the sale and marketing of vaping products.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: efforts to educate the public about the risks of vaping and nicotine addiction.
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think vaping has become more popular among young adults?
- Who is Dr. Vin Gupta? What is a pulmonologist?
- How does nicotine exposure affect brain development and mental health?
- What can be done to reduce vaping among young people?
- Do you think vaping should be regulated more strictly? Why or why not?
- What are some potential long-term effects of vaping that researchers are still studying?
- Should schools play a role in educating students about vaping? If so, how?
- What are some effective ways to support someone who wants to quit vaping?
Media Literacy
- Evaluating Sources: Where do you get information about vaping? Is it from a reliable source?
- Comparing Perspectives: How do different news sources report on vaping trends?
- Identifying Bias: Are certain media outlets more likely to portray vaping as safe or dangerous?
Optional Extension Activity
Research Project: Students will conduct a research project analyzing vaping policies in different countries and their effectiveness.
Steps:
- Select a Country: Students will choose one country to investigate, comparing its vaping regulations to those of their own country.
- Research Laws and Policies: Students will explore government regulations, public health campaigns, and restrictions on sales and marketing.
- Analyze Effectiveness: Students will look at data on vaping trends before and after regulations were implemented.
- Compare and Contrast: Students will compare their findings with those from other students to determine which policies seem most effective.
- Present Findings: Students will present their research through posters, digital slides, or a short report.
Related Resources
- Free, for-credit webinar: Rethinking School-Based Substance Use Prevention: Non-Punitive, Community-Driven Strategies
- CDC Report on E-Cigarette Use
- American Lung Association: The Risks of Vaping
This resource is part of the series, Vital Lessons: Health Chats with Dr. Vin Gupta. Explore more resources in the series here.
Vital Lessons: Health Chats with Dr. Vin Gupta
Join Dr. Vin Gupta—pulmonologist, public health expert, and professor—for a yearlong series offering expert-led webinars, blogs, resources, and Q&A sessions on pressing health issues to help AFT members and communities stay informed and healthy. Access all on-demand town halls and register for the next one.
Vital Lessons: A Town Hall on the Measles Outbreak and What You Need to Know
Join Dr. Vin Gupta, a leading public health expert and pulmonologist; AFT President Randi Weingarten; and Dr. Benjamin Hoffman, former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for an interactive town hall discussion on the current measles outbreak and its impact on AFT members and the communities we serve.
Dr. Vin Gupta, MD, MPA, is a public health physician, professor, and health policy expert. As a Harvard-trained lung specialist, Vin has spent the past 15 years working worldwide to improve public health for organizations including the US Centers for Disease Control, the Institute for Health... See More
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