“It’s scary to think about that… that little device did that to my lungs,” said Adam Hergenreder. 

According to USA Today, state health authorities have confirmed the sixth person to die from lung illness due to vaping. The other five people were from California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Oregon. 

There are 450 people who have lung illnesses due to vaping just in the United States alone, and Hergenreder was one of them. 

This 18-year-old athlete, because of his e-cigarette, was told by his doctor to have 70-year-old lungs. He is in wrestling, and because of this tragic news, he will not be able to breathe properly to do any sport. 

The most dangerous of flavors, according to The Dangerous Flavors of E-Cigarettes, is the flavor most pleasurable. The different “flavoring enhances the appeal to first-time users —especially teenagers,” explains the article. 

The effects of vaping in teenagers are slow brain development, and according to Teen Health can “affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood,” increase addiction or cravings, and irritation and/or damage of the lungs.  

With all the news saying lung illnesses and different body malfunctions is the consequence of vaping, teenagers still do it. 

What is so interesting or ‘cool’ about it? According to Daily American, teens see vaping as a “healthier alternative to smoking.” 

Some people have a sense of rebellion with vaping, as many teenagers have their “rebellious phases.” 

Another reason as to why it can be so popular is because their role models do it. Celebrities and their peers do it, so why can’t they? Seeing the popular kids do it makes other people, especially teenagers, want to fit in or belong. The majority of teenagers do not want to fall behind the crowd. 

Being able to quit any addiction is not easy, but it is not impossible. Quitting vaping is something that could not only benefit you, your body, and mind, but benefit others as well. Second hand smoking is still a severe problem in the modern world. 

Chewing sugar-free gum, hanging out with a friend, keeping one’s hands busy, going somewhere where smoking or vaping is not allowed could help someone not be tempted to enter into addiction again.