San Luis Obispo High School students, along with other students around the country, have gotten nervous with recent news of vaping illnesses and death. 

  Vaping is an alternative to cigarettes, which was originally targeted at smokers to try and quit, with the marketing saying it is “safer”. The difference between vaping and cigarettes is the higher amount of nicotine delivered in a vape compared to a cigarette. Vaping has become more popular due to the array of flavors offered, gaining kids interest. 

  As much as teachers and parents want to deny their children embarking on the recently new vaping trend, it is a fact that needs to be taken seriously. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) has issued alerts about vaping, and state legislatures have begun banning vaping in states. 

  “I would be scared. We are in high school, kids should not be worried about their friends or themselves dying. They should be worried about their next test or grade,” said junior Zoe Bumen.

   For those affected by vaping, may have been under the wrong understanding with sparse and false information given by main companies like Juul. Information like vaping is safer than cigarettes was not scientifically proven by Juul but yet was used as a marketing scam.

  “People should be concerned for their friends who take part in this, because a lot of people have been hospitalized and a couple have died. I think if they cared, they would help, unless both are addicted – then they are doomed,” said senior Nadia Cassady. 

  To date, there have been twelve deaths and hundreds of people have been hospitalized due to vaping-related illnesses. 

  If anyone has found themselves addicted and need help, call the hotline number 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848), or talk to your school counselor.