MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract:
According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey administered in 2014, current electronic cigarette use (use on at least one day in the past 30 days) among high school students has increased from 4.5 percent in 2013 to 13.4 percent in 2014. In the United States alone, the number of users has grown from 660,000 to 2 million students. Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered vaporizers that stimulate the feeling of smoking without the burning of tobacco. The vaporizing liquid inside the cartridges leads to the perception of safety. The main ingredients in the liquid are typically nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, water, and flavorings. Electronic cigarettes were originally created as an alternative option to conventional cigarettes for those interested in suppressing their addiction to nicotine. Given the rise in use and adolescents’ susceptibility to social and environmental influences to abuse tobacco, developing strategies to prevent marketing, sales, and the use of electronic cigarettes among adolescents requires the upmost attention. Additionally, decades of research reveal the irreversible effects of conventional cigarette smoking. Electronic cigarettes may pose similar health risks on its users in light of recent studies. Low nicotine products may lead non-smokers to initiate nicotine self-administration and experiment with high dosing electronic cigarettes. Furthermore, electronic cigarettes that deliver nicotine may produce nicotine dependence. Despite the uncertainty of the long-term effects of vaping, Parent Teacher Associations, among other influential figures, can play an important role in reducing the number of high school students who build a vaping habit.
Word Count = 244

Reader’s Profile: I am imagining a high school student who does not see the imminent harm vaping poses to his health. He started vaping three months ago and does not understand why he is being advised to break his habit.

Reader’s Response: Vaping is a much safer option than smoking conventional cigarettes. My friends and I vape for recreation – the experience is worth it. I have yet to meet someone who is addicted to vaping. I think the board is falsely assuming the health risks associated with vaping. The long-term effects of electronic cigarette usage are unclear, so why freak out now? Vaping is actually 95% less harmful than conventional cigarette smoking. Is there not a risk with every opportunity? In addition, a number of vapors use very minimal to no nicotine. Hey, long-term exposure to the sun increases the chances of cancer. If you are trying to make the argument that “vaping causes cancer,” then you are failing to realize EVERYTHING causes cancer.

M -- looks like a very good plan. What are your section heads? Writing them down in a list can help you propel the writing forward.