Virtual Reality Shows the Health Risk of Vaping

Vaping, or e-cigarette use, has gained popularity in recent years. Marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes, research shows that e-cigarettes are actually high-dose nicotine products containing dangerous vapors that lead to major health issues.

This Tiger Giving Day, we are raising funds to spread this important information by creating a restrictive lung vaping simulation that actually shows the health risks of vaping through virtual reality. Through this kind of widespread outreach, we will educate the nation’s youth on how vaping can negatively affect their lungs and brain, before they get addicted.

According to a national survey, one in five high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past month. That’s a significantly higher rate than what we see in adults.

Youth who vape are at major risk for health consequences, such as lung damage and negative effects on brain development — so it’s important that they understand the risk before picking up one of these highly addictive products.

Your gift on Tiger Giving Day will help us reach many children and teens throughout the state with the important message about the dangers of vaping.

Auburn Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Adrienne Duke performs research focused on vaping behaviors and the health effects of electronic cigarettes, and evaluates a statewide vaping prevention program called Escape Vapes. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Family and Child Development regional educators bring this vaping prevention program to schools across the state and Duke’s team assess the changes in students’ attitudes and beliefs about vaping.