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Charlotte Talks: The Rise Of E-Cigarette Use Among Teens

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Young people are smoking fewer cigarettes, but their use of e-cigarettes has risen to what the FDA calls “epidemic” levels.  We examine the trend and the risks of vaping this hour.

A new UNC Charlotte studyconfirms what the FDA has called an “epidemic”, the use among young people of electronic cigarettes.  That study found that just 3 percent of young people had smoked cigarettes while nearly 13 percent had used an e-cig in the last 30 days – up 17 percent from just last year.  

The widely popular Juul is said to be contributing to the rise of e-cig use in teens. Juul makes up almost three-quarters of the e-cig market and is valued at over $15 billionas a company. A single Juul pod, which offers about 200 puffs and can easily be consumed in a day’s time, has the same amount of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. Research has shown that those in high school who vape are four times more likely to try cigarettes. 

This hour, we sit down with a panel of experts to discuss what health risks that come with using e-cigarettes, what is being done to try and regulate them, and what is behind the growing trend of vaping.

Guests

Walid Eltaraboulsi, MD Pulmonology, Tryon Medical Partners

Sandra Burke, retired cardiovascular researcher, American Heart Association Board Member

Rose Hoban, reporter, North Carolina Health News

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