Teen Vaping: The Risk Many Parents May Be Overlooking
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
Health experts are raising alarms about the dangers of e-cigarette use among minors, noting that while the overall number of users has declined, younger individuals are increasingly starting to use these products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), no tobacco product is safe, and specialists warn that vaping can lead to rapid addiction. Dr. Carlos Medina, a family physician, explained that one of the biggest risks is the unknown content of these devices, stating, 'Sometimes they contain nicotine... but they may also contain marijuana or other substances... that's what's dangerous, especially when you don't know what's inside.' Additionally, side effects can be more severe in minors. 'It can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, loss of color, vomiting... and in some cases even seizures,' he warned. The expert emphasized that young brains are more susceptible to addiction, explaining, 'It causes more addiction in kids... the brain doesn't fully develop until age 25.' Given this situation, he advises parents to talk openly with their children and 'especially discuss the risks of e-cigarettes,' he said. In Texas, since 2023, students caught using vape devices on school property can face immediate expulsion if the devices contain nicotine or THC. Furthermore, possession of these products by minors is illegal, and new restrictions targeting youth-oriented designs of these devices have been implemented as of September 2025. This article was originally reported for broadcast by Telemundo 40. Artificial intelligence tools assisted in creating the digital version, and a Telemundo Digital journalist edited the article for publication.