Smoking cigarettes is a major health issue in America, causing about 500,000 deaths every year. Many people see vaping as a safer option, and Juul is one of the most popular brands, making up 72% of all vape sales. But what exactly makes smoking and Juuling different?
When you smoke a cigarette, you’re using a small paper tube filled with tobacco. Cigarettes have filters that are supposed to catch some of the harmful smoke, but they might actually make smokers inhale more deeply, which can increase exposure to dangerous chemicals. Juuls, on the other hand, are electronic cigarettes that look like USB drives. They have two main parts: a battery with a temperature control system and a cartridge filled with e-liquid, which also acts as the mouthpiece. These cartridges, called Juul pods, can be replaced when they run out.
Let’s look at the cost. In Canada, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs about $13 for 20 cigarettes. A Juul pod, which has a similar amount of nicotine, costs around $16 and gives you about 200 puffs. This makes Juuling more expensive, similar to many products that claim to be healthier.
Cigarettes are made from cured tobacco leaves and various additives to improve taste and absorption, like sugars, menthol, and ammonia. When you smoke a cigarette, it burns and releases harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Juuling, however, doesn’t involve burning. Juul’s creators use a formula with benzoic acid and nicotine salts to mimic the fast nicotine delivery of cigarettes. Juul e-liquid contains just five ingredients: benzoic acid, a nicotine solution, glycerol, propylene glycol, and food-grade flavoring. Unlike some other vapes, Juul doesn’t use diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung problems.
Juuls operate at lower temperatures, which means they don’t burn anything and produce fewer toxins. Some research suggests Juuling might be healthier than smoking, but both deliver similar amounts of nicotine, which is very addictive. Nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, releasing dopamine, which makes you feel good.
The increase in Juuling among young people has led to a drop in cigarette smoking, which some experts see as a good thing. However, since Juuling is still new, we don’t have long-term studies on its potential negative effects. The healthiest choice is to avoid nicotine products altogether.
If you’re curious about Juuling, check out our latest podcast episode. We talk about new FDA regulations, share our first experiences with smoking, and have a scientific debate about the pros and cons of Juuling. You can listen on YouTube or subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your audio content.
Research the differences between smoking and Juuling. Create a Venn diagram to visually represent the similarities and differences. Share your diagram with the class and discuss the key points you discovered.
Calculate the monthly cost of smoking cigarettes versus Juuling based on the provided prices. Consider how these costs might impact a person’s budget. Present your findings in a short report, including any assumptions you made in your calculations.
Choose one ingredient from cigarettes and one from Juul pods. Research their effects on the human body. Create a poster that explains these effects and present it to the class.
Participate in a class debate on whether Juuling is a healthier alternative to smoking. Prepare arguments for both sides and use evidence from the article and additional research to support your points.
Listen to the recommended podcast episode about Juuling. Write a review summarizing the key points discussed and your personal opinion on the topic. Share your review with the class.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in America, claiming 500,000 lives each year. Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative, with 72% of all vapes sold being the popular Juul brand. So, what are the differences between smoking and using a Juul?
Smoking a cigarette involves a narrow cylinder of paper filled with tobacco. The filter is designed to trap some harmful smoke, but studies have shown that it may actually cause smokers to inhale more deeply, increasing exposure to harmful chemicals. A Juul, on the other hand, is an electronic cigarette that resembles a flash drive and charges via USB. It consists of two parts: a battery and a temperature-regulating system, and a cartridge filled with e-liquid that also serves as the mouthpiece. These cartridges, known as Juul pods, can be replaced when empty.
For example, in Canada, a pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs around $13 for 20 cigarettes, while a Juul pod, which contains a similar amount of nicotine, costs about $16 and provides roughly 200 puffs. This makes Juuling more expensive, similar to many products that claim to be healthier.
Now, let’s compare the contents of a cigarette to a Juul pod. The primary ingredient in cigarettes is cured tobacco leaves, along with various additives to enhance flavor and absorption. These can include sugars, menthol, and ammonia, among others. Cigarettes produce harmful byproducts due to combustion, releasing toxins like carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
In contrast, Juuling does not involve burning tobacco. The creators of Juul developed a formula using benzoic acid and nicotine salts to replicate the rapid nicotine delivery of cigarettes. Juul e-liquid contains only five ingredients: benzoic acid, a nicotine solution, glycerol, propylene glycol, and food-grade flavoring. Unlike some other vape brands, Juul does not use diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung inflammation.
Juul operates at a lower temperature, avoiding combustion and resulting in fewer toxins. Current research suggests that Juuling may be healthier than smoking, but both methods deliver a similar amount of nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, stimulating the release of dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
The rise of Juuling among young people has led to a decrease in cigarette smoking, which some experts view positively. However, since Juuling is relatively new, there are no long-term studies to identify potential negative effects. The best choice for your health is to avoid nicotine products altogether.
If you’re interested in learning more about Juuling, check out our latest podcast episode, where we discuss new FDA regulations, our first experiences with smoking, and engage in a scientific debate about the pros and cons of Juuling. You can listen on YouTube or subscribe to our podcast wherever you get your audio content.
Smoking – The act of inhaling and exhaling the smoke of tobacco or a drug. – Smoking can lead to serious health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease.
Juuling – The use of a specific brand of e-cigarette that is popular among teenagers and young adults. – Many schools are concerned about students juuling in bathrooms and classrooms.
Nicotine – A highly addictive chemical found in tobacco products. – Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, making it dangerous for young people.
Health – The state of being free from illness or injury. – Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining good health.
Chemicals – Substances with a distinct molecular composition that are produced by or used in a chemical process. – Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled.
Cigarettes – Thin cylinders of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking. – Cigarettes contain tar and other harmful substances that can damage the lungs.
Vaping – The act of inhaling vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. – Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but it still poses health risks.
Toxins – Poisonous substances produced within living cells or organisms. – Toxins from cigarette smoke can accumulate in the body and cause long-term health issues.
Addiction – A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. – Nicotine addiction can be difficult to overcome without professional help.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Ongoing research is essential to understand the long-term effects of vaping on health.
