Vaping in high schools has been a growing concern in the past couple of years. The FDA reported that from 2017 to 2018, vape use by high school students increased by 78% (11.7 to 20.8 percent). 3.05 million American high school students were using vapes in 2018. However, many students who attend Naples High believe that the country’s statistics don’t apply to their school. 

“I have noticed that not many students around campus vape, as they did in previous years,” junior Aurora Nichols said. 

Vapes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. This liquid is sometimes called “vape juice” or “vape liquid.” Users inhale vape aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales it into the air.

“If someone vapes at school, it would probably take place in the bathrooms,” junior Judah Moore said.

Vaping as a teenager can slow brain development. It can also affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention and mood. These are all important factors to consider for students. 

“It just doesn’t seem worth the money or risk,” sophomore Susanna Dezjc said. “The average cost to vape an entire year is around $1,150.”

Not only are vapes damaging to physical health, but they also take a hit on your bank account. The amount students spend on vapes weekly could go towards beneficial things instead such as gasoline, study books, new clothes or be put into savings accounts for the future. 

“It does more harm than good, obviously,” Moore said.

Furthermore, The New York Times claimed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state agencies have reported 2,506 lung injury cases that required hospitalization and 54 deaths linked to vaping.

“Vaping does nothing but slow you down,” Nichols said.