A problem on the rise: The dangers of vaping

(WJBK) - It's just as dangerous as cigarettes in many ways but most kids don't realize it.

Vaping is on the rise, and it's not just a concern with tobacco. The problem is catching on and it's now morphing into a more serious substance.

Lynn Gillow's own son got caught in the trap. A trap that looks colorful, smells harmless and has led him down a long road of trouble. 

"They don't believe that the vape oil is harmful," she said.

Vaping, or juuling, as it's known by kids, is on the rise.

"Kids as young as middle schoolers are trying to use the vapes.  We found from information in surveys they are doing it because they want to look cool, they want to try something new, they want to fit in. They're trying these vapes and they contain different flavor juices that are attractive to them," said  Lisa Berkey with the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition .

One gas station in West Bloomfield is selling it but say they won't until an ID is scanned. But some stores are breaking the law and selling to minors. They know cigarettes are dangerous but:

"93 percent of our 8th, 10th and 12th graders here in West Bloomfield know cigarettes are dangerous. So, they aren't making a connection that he nicotine in the vapes are just as dangerous," Berkey.

She says some can be loaded with marijuana and have high levels of THC.

"They've seen a significant increase in the manufacture and distribution of the marijuana wax and oil products and that obviously is correlated to the expansion of these vaping type devices," said West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton.

DAB is what it's known as. It's not used in the same vaping pens or devices as the Nicotine ones. All of them are easy to conceal. 

Kids bringing in what looks like flash drives are taking hits instead. A mother's advice? Check backpacks, pockets, cars, and between the mattresses.

For more information, visit gwbcoalition.org