WAUSAU (WAOW) — After eight Wisconsin teens were hospitalized with serious lung damage believed to be caused by vaping, experts are warning parents of the dangers.

Kalie Kubowski, a Registered Respiratory Therapist at Aspirus, said vaping is “just as dangerous if not more dangerous” than cigarettes. She advises that those who want to quit smoking, don’t use vaping as an alternative.

Kubowski said the chemicals found in e-cigarettes are extremely harmful, especially to kids and teens. “All of that isn’t good for the person doing it, and not for anyone else around them” she said.

Rachel Hockin, a mom in Wausau, said she’s concerned by the growing epidemic.

“I think a lot of it still is peer pressure,” Hockin said. “I think it’s putting stuff into your lungs that doesn’t need to be there.”

Kubowski said the best thing you can do is talk to your kids about the dangers associated with vaping.