E-cigarettes or e-cigs have quickly become a status symbol among teens — and are alarming parents and lawmakers including the FDA. So are these new phenomenons safe?<br /><br />While they emerged less than 15 years ago, e-cigs have recently skyrocketed from niche market to billions of dollars in sales. San Francisco-based company JUUL dominates more than ¾ of the e-cig market and is now worth billions of dollars.<br /><br />But USC’s Jessica L. Barrington-Trimis says that these devices can have a dangerous impact on their health. They put teens at risk for a long-term nicotine dependence, and can be super damaging to their developing brains.<br /><br />They originally seemed like a promising alternative to smoking cigarettes. The first modern e-cigarette was patented in 2003. The contents of the liquid or vapor flavors, can vary depending on manufacturer. In JUUL’s case, e-liquid contains glycerol, propylene glycol, and benzoic acid.<br /><br />Sites like Instagram have raised the profile of vaping via tricks and stunts broadcasted on the platform. This has helped it soar in popularity among teens.<br /><br />The FDA is currently seeking more answers as to how to stop teens from using e-cigarettes, and how to develop therapies for those who already vape. Because of the mounting scrutiny against it, JUUL has recently suspended the sale of its flavored products.<br /> This video, "Behind E-cigarette Safety Risks And Popularity Among Teens</a>", first appeared on<br /> nowthisnews.com</a>.<br />
