The use of e-cigarettes among young people continues to grow in popularity. Regardless of whether this is due to the ease of accessibility, the variety of “fun” flavors, or the ability to conceal e-cigarette devices from parents and teachers, inhaling or vaping the contents of an e-cigarette pod is dangerous. The e-liquid, or contents of the pod, contain potent levels of nicotine which is highly addictive. According to the CDC, nicotine adversely affects the brain development in young people up until their mid-twenties. 

Vape pens present other dangers as well. Recently, The New England Journal of Medicine reported that a young man was severely injured after his vape pen exploded in his mouth leaving a two-centimeter hole in his jaw, burns on his face, and missing teeth. Surgeons were able to repair his jaw using a two-inch titanium plate. The victim of the exploding pen expects to replace his missing teeth when he can afford it.

Read the entire story here as seen in The Washington Post.