Many young people have used this argument to justify their vaping habits, despite its numerous negative health implications. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, a chemical known to be dangerous due to its addictive properties. E-cigarettes have also been found to contain heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead, as well as chemicals linked to serious lung injuries like diacetyl or cancer. College students have been found to vape due to social reasons, like with friends at parties, as well as a stress reliever, with many justifying these as their primary reasons. However, one study found that vaping actually causes more stress related issues in the long run, with nicotine raising your blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the chance of developing heart disease in the future.
Vaping continues to grow and a study conducted in 2018 found that 39.9% of college students have used an e-cigarette in their lifetime. This has increased from 13.9% in 2015, despite an increase in education regarding the effects of vaping and smoking over the last few years. We can therefore predict that over the next four to five years, we will see that number skyrocket past 50% of people using over their lifetime.
“So what’s the issue? The people that are hospitalized are the ones that vape heavily, so I should be fine if I do it a couple of times, right?” Well, not really. Recent findings over the past few months detail that people who vaped have over triple the risk of getting COVID-19, with factors such as gender, race, weight, and so on creating a bit of variability for potential risk. Vaping was even found in the study to be more risky in a person getting COVID-19 than smoking was! That is by no means an encouragement to pick up a cigarette. Both are dangerous and increase your risk of developing COVID-19 and more complications related to it.
Why is that? It has to do with the flavorings and chemicals in the e-cigarettes, as well as the vapes themselves. When e-cigarettes were introduced, it tasted gross and was hard to inhale, so companies added flavors to make the chemicals easier to inhale, hiding the fact that these chemicals make e-cigarettes as harmful as normal cigarettes. Not only that, but e-cigarettes are a perfect opportunity for bacteria and germs to spread from one person’s mouth to another, which is how the coronavirus predominantly spreads. In addition, some people share their vapes with friends, or pass them around at parties, quickly increasing the spread, regardless of how much hand sanitizer they use!
So what can be done to reduce vaping among college students? Education and awareness is key. Despite the push by companies like the TRUTH Initiative, not enough college students understand all of the risks that come with picking up a vape, especially its relationship with COVID-19.
There are many resources available on-campus for Binghamton University students. Numerous groups bring awareness and help students if they want to quit. These include:
Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Interdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Program
The University Counseling Center
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs office
Decker Student Health Services Center even provides free smoking cessation supplies, such as nicotine gum or the patch.
This is a tough time for every student, there is no denying that. But before you pick up a vape and if you are vaping, consider the health implications and see if there are healthier alternatives to relieve stress or enjoy your time. In addition, be sure to take advantage of the resources Binghamton University offers to help keep you and others safe!
Some resources on campus:
Counseling Center: Call 607-777-2772 to set up an appointment
Healthy Practices Clinic (Run by ITURP): Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, in AB-331 for appointments or a drop-in visit
Health Promotion and Prevention Services: Located in the Infirmary on the East Access Road above Dickinson Community/across from College-in-the-Woods, Room 154. Call 607-777-2254
UHS Fresh Start Program: A *free, four-week program with registration required. Offered several times throughout the year. Visit uhs.net or call UHS Class Registration at 607-763-5092 for more information.
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About the Author: Nicholas Bober
I joined REACH because I wanted to be able to connect with students on campus about health issues. Ultimately, I want to go into the field of forensic psychology and though REACH is not directly helping me to accomplish my goal, I enjoy the opportunity to interact with the student population and spread knowledge about health issues! By passing what we have learned through REACH, the community is able to make better decisions regarding safe sex, sleep, nutrition, smoking and vaping, and so on. I am very big into both dogs and superheroes! My favorite breed is a corgi while my favorite superhero is Spider-Man! Next to this is a picture of my niece and I!
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