This past week, a new series of anti-vaping articles have been making the rounds.

According to a variety of newspapers, we should all be frightened and horrified because “plain old vaping” has given way to “dripping among teens”. Apparently this is a new “dangerous trend” of “vape abuse” where teenagers are “hacking” their devices to allow for a new type of vaping called dripping.

Let’s take a look at a handful of headlines:

USA Today: Dripping’ may be a new, dangerous trend for teens who vape

NBC: Dripping: Kids Are Trying This Potentially Harmful E-Cigarette Hack

The Sun: VAPE ABUSE New e-cigarette ‘dripping’ craze that gives teens stronger hit ‘increases risk of exposure to harmful toxins’

New York Times: Plain Old Vaping Gives Way to ‘Dripping’

CNN: Teens use e-cigarettes for ‘dripping’

These articles are based on a “study” that was published in the Journal of Pediatrics last week. The author of the “study” was Yale University psychiatry professor Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin, who obviously has her head so far up her own ass she is physically incapable of doing basic fact checking before she publishes something.

Her “study” found: “Of the teenagers who reported using e-cigarettes, about a fourth said they had hacked the devices to allow dripping.”

After likely being paid by tobacco lobbyists to complete her study, which seems to have involved zero research into how vaping actually works, Suchitra developed deep concerns about this new “vaping craze”:

“One of the concerns I have is when you are looking at the safety and risk of e-cigarettes, one really has to look at the risks of alternative uses also,” she explained. “kids are actually using these electronic products for other behaviors, not just for vaping e-liquids from cartridges or tanks.”

Really, Suchitra? We’d like to know exactly what behaviours you’re talking about. Last time we checked, dripping isn’t some new deviant behavior, it’s a method of vaping that’s been around for many, many years.

So, let’s break things down in such a way that even a Yale University professor could understand. (Apparently simple language is required here.)

1. What is dripping?
Dripping has been around almost since the beginning of vaping. This is a method of dripping the e-liquid into an RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer) directly onto the coils/wicks to saturate them with the liquid. The benefit is more intense flavour due to a more direct path to the vaper’s mouth. It does not mean higher temperatures or more risk/exposure to the vaper than any other method. (Any style of atomizer can be used at high intensities. And as far as toxins, the jury is out on this, and in most cases, extreme unenjoyable temps and conditions (burnt cotton) must be applied to get any questionable results).

2. Is it some new fangled thing I need to be scared of? Is it dangerous?
See above. There is nothing to be scared about. And in most cases moving to rebuildable dripping atomizers is a sign of more expert knowledge of vaping.

3. Are my kids involved in some kind of vape hacking/ “vape abuse”?
See above as well. No, this is a very common method of vaping. It tastes better, it doesn’t mean anything different in exposure or safety. If anything your kid has a better understanding of what they are doing.

So there you have it. No need to get hysterical. No need to lock your vaping teen up or send them to a vape rehab clinic. They aren’t crazed. They’re going to be just fine. If they are the appropriate age, vaping is much healthier than smoking. Not to mention, many teens use e-liquid without Nicotine which is even better.