There are plenty of issues in this nation of great importance. This summer, we chose to focus on just one supposed “epidemic” relating to e-cigarettes. According to the article “The Mysterious Vaping Illness That’s ‘Becoming an Epidemic’ written by Sheila Kaplan and Matt Richtel, there has been more than 215 cases of vape-related illnesses that, in few instances, has led to death. The rise of vaping in young adults has made the new generation of teenagers the main target for this illness. In the article, the authors claim that the illness may be caused by oil droplets being inhaled while vaping, and that Vitamin E oil found in several cases is also a probable cause.

E-cigarettes have been around for much longer than what some people believe. They are used as a safer alternative for those who are addicted to cigarettes. Unlike cigarettes, however, we have no knowledge of the possible long term affects of vapes. As the safer alternative to cigarettes, this is what possibly drove teens to vaping as well. Nevertheless, the claim that these illnesses have become an “epidemic” is flawed in various ways. The lack of knowledge we have on vape cigarettes cannot ensure that store-bought vapes are the cause of these illnesses, and the article by Kaplan and Richtel confirms this.

There are many indications that the vape-related illnesses were caused by altered vapes or those found in the black market. Vapes filled with THC were also found to be bootleg, as they were filled with unnatural levels of Vitamin E that could cause harm. Unsurprisingly, many of the cases of illnesses linked to vapes were found in states where marijuana was, and continues to be, illegal. Getting rid of vapes can increase the use of black market vapes and do much more harm than good.

The lack of knowledge we have on vapes can be dangerous, but this could not be considered an epidemic for this reason. Much more research continues to be needed.