Throughout 2017, vaping gained popularity throughout the U.S., an alternative to cigarette smoking. Soon enough, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes, like Juul, became a staple part of daily life for many.

Vaping was first marketed as a healthier, more convenient alternative to smoking. Without the added ingredients of cigarettes, like tar and ammonia, many people switched, presuming it would be better for them. Without a noticeable smell, and small enough to fit in a pocket, the ease of vaping was also a key factor in its success. Juul, one of the biggest e-cigarette companies, was launched in 2015. 

The initial hospitalization due to vaping that received media coverage was reported in late Mar. 2019. These incidents increased exponentially after that. The first reported death caused directly by vaping was reported on Aug. 23, 2019. Following that, in early Sept. 2019, Oregon announced a second death, caused in a similar way. As of now, there have been 1,000 cases of illness and 18 cases of death due to vaping, most within the past year, as reported by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.

JUUL was quick to respond. Once these hospitalizations made headlines, the company decided to suspend advertisements in all media and agreed to comply with nationally made policies regarding vaping. Interestingly enough, Kevin Burns, the former CEO of JUUL, resigned from his high position around this time. According to USA Today, he “… had apologized for the nation’s teen vaping epidemic”(USAtoday.com).  

Some cities across the United States are taking safety measures into their own hands. Within the past year, San Francisco decided to propose a ballot measure that would severely limit the sale and ultimately the use of vaping products/e-cigarettes. The JUUL company was seemingly onboard until recently, when they decided to end its support for this measure. In the end, San Francisco’s Mayor, London Breed, signed a bill in June, banning the sale of non-FDA approved e-cigarettes within the city’s limits. As of now, no e-cigarette brand is FDA approved. Ironically, the headquarters of JUUL is located in San Francisco.

Senior Camden Hetrick comments on the significance of the bill stating: “Any step taken is important because vaping is becoming an increasingly deadly issue.” Social Studies Teacher David Rabinowitz shared his opinion on the matter of cities having the authority to ban vaping, “I think the FDA needs to set clear guidelines on the product inhaled, and then from there, states and local governments can then make their qualifications.” Physical Education Teacher Rob Kolb joined the discussion stating, “I believe every city and politician should be on the same page, on a national level, to ban vaping all together. There are chemicals, which no one has an idea about, that are being inhaled by many people.” Since these reports and measures are fairly recent, much is bound to change in the future.