Vaping. Vaping. Vaping. Where could it go wrong? Many West kids these days get their hands on vapes and this leads to very bad habits. Kids don’t even really know what they’re getting their hands on. They’re getting their hands on many different chemicals with names most people can’t even pronounce.

Kids vape for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because they think they’re cool if they do it. Mr. Smiley, West Principal, stated, “Many kids think they’re cool vaping, as many high schoolers are doing it.”  Many kids are also peer pressured into vaping.

“There hasn’t been enough time to know what effects are caused by vapes that haven’t even been out for five years,” Mr. Smiley stated. What we do know is that there are many dangerous chemicals in vapes. Some of the chemicals in vapes include nickel, tin, and lead. Not to mention the nicotine in them that can affect brain development and can be very very addictive.

How do kids get away with vaping at West? That’s a question we all have. Kids vape in many different places at West. They vape at places where they think it is safe like the bathroom, outside, and in the locker rooms. However, students are caught because of the distinct smell that comes from the vape.

Many middle schoolers get their hands on vapes from high schoolers. They get their hands on vapes when their brother’s friend’s pass down the vapes for overpriced sale. Mr. Smiley states, “Many middle schoolers buy the vapes for around 75 dollars for a used piece of junk.”

Vapes started as alternative to smoking cigarettes. Some people believe it can help people quit smoking.  Cigarettes can cause lung problems because of tar which can cause irreversible lung damage. Vaping can also cause lung damage which can be irreversible.