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7 WARNING SIGNS YOUR KID MIGHT BE VAPING

By Donna Graham August 16, 2016
Smoking among teens has been a huge concern over many years. According to federal statistics, approximately 90% of smokers try their first cigarette by 18. During the past few years, vaping among teens has also surfaced as a major concern.

The National Youth Tobacco Survey in the United States, published by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year, shows that vaping is quickly becoming popular among high school students.

Here are some subtle signals that may mean your teenager is vaping clandestinely.

1.) Mysterious Aroma

E-cigarettes don't smell bad like the smoke from burning tobacco; however, most e-liquids have flavors in them that usually smell like candy, mint, vanilla, fruit punch, etc. If you catch a sudden whiff of any of these but none of them is around, consider this a red flag.

2.) Unfamiliar Handheld Gadgets
E-cigarettes come in various shapes. The most common ones resemble a pen and are known as vape pens. If you come across a pen that isn't a pen or other unfamiliar gadget, be aware that it could be a vaporizer. The easiest way to spot an e-cig is to look for holes on each end of the device.

3.) Increased Thirstiness
Vapor from e-cigs is made of VG (Vegetable Glycerin), PG (Propylene Glycol), and flavors. The chemical characteristics of PG make it attract water molecules from its surroundings. When vapor enters the mouth, PG does its trick and keeps the vaper in a state of dry mouth. So if your kid is suddenly drinking more water, you might want to find out why. (Increased thirst can signal a variety of concerns.)

4.) Caffeine Sensitivity
Vapers develop caffeine sensitivity. If your kid loved coffee or Red Bulls but suddenly stops chugging on them, vaping could be the cause.

5.) Batteries and Chargers
Just like you have to charge your smartphone every single day, vapers need to charge their vaporizers on a regular basis. While some e-cigs can be charged with just a USB cable, most of the powerful e-cigs like box mods support 18650 batteries. If you see unfamiliar batteries on the charger, take a look around and you might find a vaping device.

6.) Metallic Wires and Cotton Wicks
If you find organic cotton, empty plastic vials or thin metallic coils lying in your child’s room, this is yet another red flag.

7.) Discarded Atomizers
The atomizers are a vital part of e-cigs as they turn e-juice into vapor. However, they are disposable and after a while usually burn out. If you come across a discarded atomizer in your kid's trash can, it's a pretty clear indication that he/she has been vaping.

Being a parent is a huge blessing, but it's also a huge responsibility. One of our key responsibilities as a parent is to keep our children healthy, and away from tobacco, drugs, and other harmful addictions.

Today's kids are more educated and more health savvy than ever before. Explain to them how nicotine can lead to addiction and health risks. Be the message yourself. If you don't want your kids to smoke or vape, don't smoke or vape yourself. This will give more weight to your arguments and your kids will most likely follow you.