Pax Lab’s recent JUUL e-cig was initially designed to help long-time smokers switch to a vaping alternative. For those who don’t already know, a Juul is shaped like a USB stick and the light on top indicates whether it’s charged, in use, or needs to be charged. The cartridges, or “JUUL pods” come in several different flavors including mint, tobacco, and fruit.

Public users are still waiting (well, not really), on FDA regulations in regards to the long-term health effects. Although this e-cig is relatively new, we can come to a conclusion that inhaling anything other than fresh air isn’t good for your body, especially if users have no past of smoking. But I’m not here to tell anyone what they should or should not do; I’m just here to state the facts.

The goal of an electronic cigarette is to deliver nicotine without the harmful effects associated with tobacco. It is marketed to have fewer carcinogens, and it’s marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes. However, researchers have found small amounts of toxic compounds including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, along with metal particles such as cadmium and lead (IBT).

A PLOS One study suggests it could in fact damage one’s lungs and immune system because of these properties that could unexpectedly be exposed to the user when warmed by the device (the heating itself causes carcinogen production). In the modern world, we should be aware that many things can go wrong with technology, and it would suck to have someone’s body be at stake.

Researchers with the American Chemical Society believe that the way Juuls are marketed make consumers extremely vulnerable, leading them to falsely believe there is security in using the e-cig. The small percentage of nicotine within Juuls is what causes the buzz for users. Chemically speaking, the nicotine triggers neurotransmitters in the brain to release significant amounts of dopamine, but the buzz only lasts a few minutes.

Because this chemical process takes place in the Central Nervous System, the nicotine fix creates a chemical dependency so that the body begins to crave it. Yes, one can become addicted to Juuling. That’s simply a fact, despite the endless denial amongst teens and other users. This can lead to major withdrawals including irritability, increased appetite, and anxiety. Despite the reduced percentage of nicotine content in Juuls compared to cigarettes, it’s probably in one’s best interest to stay healthy and cut the habit.

As of 2017, 250,000 adolescents that have never before smoked have tried a Juul (Daily Burn). Three out of four teen smokers go on to smoke as an adult, and this habit can’t possibly be good for the body. The fact that the long-term effects are unknown, make Juuling an even greater risk.

Dr. Norman Edelmen, with The American Lung Association, predicts that e-cig vapors may be full of suspected lung irritants, which could cause heart trouble in the long run. Young individuals might be reaching out to Juuls in order to reduce appetite, boost mood, or simply to fit in. A high school kid that juuls with his or her friends every day might say “Oh, but it’s really not that bad.” Well with that information, it’s perfectly clear that they’ve done their research, right?

I admit my personal bias gets in the way because I have very close friends and family that Juul and I don’t agree with it. But one simply can’t argue with the facts. Again, the long-term affects of Juuling are unknown. Maybe they really aren’t that bad…but keep in mind, that’s also what people said about cigarettes in the 1860s when they first encountered the market.