Teens face health risks as smoking and vaping gain popularity

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Smoking is becoming more popular with some younger generations, and health experts are raising concern.

Experts say nicotine can have a major impact on developing brains and lungs, making risks even greater for young people.

Mercy Hospital Pulmonologist Dr. Rajan Goyal joined ARC Bakersfield to share how smoking can cause harm to teens.

Goyal says nicotine can rewire connections in the brain and hijack reward systems.

He says this can lead to attention deficits and poor impulse control.