To the editor of the South Valley Journal, 

One-fifth to one-half of high school students in Utah are vaping. Because vaping is fairly new, students are not being taught about the effects of vaping in health classes and through other education measures. There are many fun fruity flavors students can vape, and many youth do not realize the health risks associated with vaping. Most students think vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, but in fact, we do not know this to be the case. Recently in Utah, there was a case of a teen being life-flighted to the hospital due to the effects of vaping. This student had only been vaping for two years. Smoking does not generally affect someone this drastically this soon. There is something called popcorn lungs that happens when people vape. Because vaping is relatively new, we do not even know all of the effects it could have and how dangerous it could be. As a society, we need to do more to prevent vaping. We need to make vape stores more accountable if they sell to underage users. The store should lose their license and not be able to see anymore if this happens. Also, schools and families need to do more to educate about the dangers and potential dangers of vaping. Health classes and red ribbon weeks should clearly teach the harmful effects of vaping. School should have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to vaping. Many students vape at school, and some even vape during classes. Vaping tools can look like pens or even USB ports. We need to do all we can to spread awareness and stop this popular trend in our country and in our state. 

Sincerely, 

Zachary Rogers