Current Trends and Statistics

• • Vaping and e-cig use is becoming an epidemic among kids and teens.

    • 70% of teens are exposed to e-cig advertising (through retail ads, internet ads, TV ads, newspaper and magazine ads)

    • Sweet-flavored products and marketing towards kids has increased their use

  • Teens are more likely to use e-cigarettes vs. cigarettes

  • Twice as many boys are using e-cigarettes than girls

  • Daily e-cigarette use (2019)

    • High school seniors: 11.7%

    • 10th graders: 6.9%

    • 8th graders: 1.9%

  • 40.5% of high school seniors have used e-cigarettes (2019)

    • Compared to 25% in 2017

    • +15.5 points; 62% increase

  • 25.4% of high school seniors used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days

    • Compared to 11.0% in 2017

    • +9.4 points; 130% increase!

  • 20.7% of 8th graders have used e-cigarettes ever

    • Compared to 10.6% in 2017

    • +10.1 points; 95% increase

  • 9.0% of 8th graders have used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days

    • Compared to 3.5% in 2017

    • +5.5 points; 157% increase!

How Vaping works

A vape has four components:

• Mouthpiece

• Cartridge

• Battery

• Heating element

A battery powers the heating element, which when heated, turns the e-liquid in the cartridge into a vapor. This vapor is not just water and contains a puff of fine particles, many of which are dangerous and harmful. This vapor is then inhaled into the lungs and then exhaled.

It is not always "just" nicotine. Vapes can also have THC, Spice, Flakka, DMT, and Meth in them.

Use and Abuse

Common Reasons for Vaping

• Friends or family vape (39%)

• Flavors available (31%)

• Think they are less harmful than cigarettes (17%)

Signs of Vaping

• Increased thirst

• Decreased flavor sensitivity

• Nose bleeds

• Acne

• Less caffeine use than normal

Safety concerns

Long-Term Consequences of Vaping

• Lung disease

• Respiratory distress

• Not all of the consequences of long-term use of e-cigarettes and related products have been determined

Lung Disease

More than 193 possible cases of severe lung illness/disease associated with the use of e-cigarette products were reported by 22 states between June 2019 and August 2019.

Lung infection is caused by the substances getting into the air sacs inside the lungs instead of air.

Fluid and immune cells (such as macrophages) build up inside the air sacs. These macrophages try to clean up the fat from the substances, but instead accumulate, which can lead to lung inflammation and difficulty breathing.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

• Respiratory symptoms:

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain

• Gastrointestinal symptoms

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Rapid heartbeat

"Nic-Sick"

Nic-Sick is used to explain a group of symptoms that occur after nicotine exposure higher than what the person can normally take.

Within the first 15 minutes, symptoms can include:

• Nausea/vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Mouth watering

• Quick and heavy breathing

Within the first 30 minutes to 1 hour, symptoms can include:

• Weakness

• Slow reflexes

• Extreme fatigue

• Slower heart beat

• Lower blood pressure

• Shallow breathing

• Pale skin

• Diarrhea

Treatment in Emergency Situations Include:

• Supplemental oxygen

• Assisted ventilation

• Oxygenation

• Use of corticosteroids

• Intubation

Recommendations from CDC:

People should not use e-cigarette or vaping products that have THC or buy them off the street. Do not add or change any substances to e-cigarette or vaping products that did not come from the manufacturer.