Vaping is considered a “safe” alternative to smoking cigars and cigarettes. Truly how “safe” is it, when on September 10th 2019, Kansas confirmed the first ever death due to vaping? The CDC has alleged that there are at least 450 possible cases of lung disease in approximately 33 states. So, is vaping truly a safer alternative to smoking traditionally? Here at Inner Circle Billing, we find that the answer is no, not at all.

Unfortunately, this is not the only worrisome problem. Vaping is now at schools, being brought inside school grounds in everyday household items to disguise from teachers and others. A new product for vaping, called a Juul, looks exactly like a flash drive, making it more difficult for teachers to detect. With vaping releasing a somewhat odorless mist, or smelling of cookies or cotton candy, it is frustrating to notice when it is being used. Some schools have gone as far as removing bathrooms stalls to curb the vaping epidemic that is targeting teenagers.

How vaping works is that the liquid inside the vaping tool is heated by a coil. When heated, this changes the liquid into an aerosol. A recent study was done by Dr. Ana Navas-Acien found traces of metal inside the liquid, particularly high traces of lead that when heated by the coil increases 25%. There is no safe level of lead. The study also found traces of nickel, and lead along with more harmful chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde. Some flavoring of e-liquid have been linked to a lung condition known as Popcorn Lung, a form of COPD.

At Inner Circle Billing we stay informed and updated, passing along important information to facilities to help the youth that come in for treatment. We want these patients to be informed, leaving with tools not only to stay sober, but a heightened sense of awareness that not everything marketed is truly safe.

Inner Circle Billing wishes you a wonderful day, stay safe and stay healthy.

Posted in 2019 News