Vaping  has been linked to 8 deaths, including one in Illinois. 

According to The Chicago Tribune, teenagers are being hospitalized due to lung diseases that directly resulted from vaping.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 380 cases thus far across the country.

Generally, New Trier students recognize the negative effects of vaping.

“It’s not a surprising outcome, and people should just think about it before they do it because we don’t know what the long term effects are,” said senior Claire Mooney.

Senior Tyler Gilly added, “I think it’s about time that these studies came out. It’s pretty obvious that it’s bad for you, and I’m glad professionals are finally weighing in on just how bad it is.”

Part of the issue surrounding vaping is the accessibility and the wide range of flavor options. Mango isn’t often seen as an addictive substance, and and vaping THC has unclear consequences. 

“I think that the real problem isn’t the vape, but the chemicals that are in the THC vapes. The regulations that they are putting on it need to happen. I think that no kids should be vaping, and no one needs to vape just because it tastes good. It should only be to get off of cigarettes,” said an anonymous senior. 

When vaping became popular, there were no studies to establish a strong connection between vaping and health issues.

Companies such as Juul marketed their product as a healthier alternative to smoking, and many teenagers may not have realized the negative effects of vaping. 

“I’ve never been in support of vaping. I’ve always thought it was dumb. Obviously, everyone has tried it once, but overall, it’s dumb, and I’ve encouraged friends not to,” said Senior Alex Levine.

As more data on the health effects of vaping has come out, Levine has grown stronger in her stance against the practice.

“When I was younger, I didn’t think about it that much, but last year, I realized the negative effects. I’m glad that there is data out now and people have started to speak out. It’s not worth it to risk your health in order to have fun for 20 minutes,” said Levin.

The new studies have found a positive correlation between vaping and lung disease, and doctors are confirming the results. 

“My dad is a doctor. He’s seen people come in that have been really ill, and he believes that Juuling is the cause of that,” said Junior Fiona Connor-Crewe said. 

Most students interviewed oppose vaping, but some said that the studies don’t change their opinion. 

“The facts are scary, but I’m here for a good time, not a long time. However, the new research has made me vape less. I don’t do cart anymore. I’ve only done it once in the past month. I think the research is taken out of proportion,” said an anonymous sophomore. 

One sophomore who also chose to remain anonymous, thought that a cure for the diseases caused by vaping would eventually be discovered. “If it’s actually a health problem in the future, then there will be new medicine to fix it. Vaping isn’t that big of a deal,” they said. 

‘The facts are scary, but I’m here for a good time, not a long time. However, the new research has made me vape less ’

The consensus, however, is that teens need to recognize the risk involved in vaping and be aware of new data as it comes.

“I think vaping, especially as a teenager, is really bad because you can get addicted and it can cause long term effects on your body. 8 people have died and teens need to come to terms with the fact that it can kill you after a short time,” said sophomore Joey Stuart.