As many are aware vaping has reached epidemic levels among teenagers. In a recent article USA Today said “E-cigarette use was up 78% among high school students and 48% among middle-school students from 2017 to 2018, according to federal data”. This is extremely alarming considering the multitude negative effects that surround nicotine, especially in the development of teenagers. But there is now a new concern facing vaping and its tendency to induce seizures.

These reports from the FDA come in the midst of an “uptick in voluntary reports” received by the FDA. The FDA went on to say that the uptick signals a potential emerging safety issue. Yet it is quite clear that this issue is on a very small scale, at least for now. According to the FDA, “At least 35 people reported seizures after using electronic cigarettes over the past decade.” These reports range from immediately after use up to 24 hours later. They also include reports which involve other drugs used around the same time as the e cigarette.

The FDA’s language concerning the issue is quite vague, indicating that there is no clear proof that there is a direct link. CBS news wrote, “Regulators stressed it’s not yet clear whether vaping is responsible. But they said they’re concerned and encouraged the public to report information about the issue.” Since reporting is voluntary, the FDA rarely receives reports. Therefore they believe voluntary reports often times do signal causation rather than correlation.

As research is compiled on vaping we slowly learn more about the possible side effects that come with it. However the field is still covered with mystery and the now billion dollar industry may lead to aggressive regulations to protect America’s youth.

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