E-Cigarette, Vaping and Nicotine
(All information is cited from the CDC website)
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems.”
Some e-cigarettes are made to look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some resemble pens, USB sticks, and other everyday items.
E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine—the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products—flavorings, and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales into the air.
E-cigarettes can be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.
E-CIGARETTES ARE THE MOST COMMONLY USED TOBACCO PRODUCT AMONG YOUTH.
What Are the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults?
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is the highly addictive drug found in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.
Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20's.
It can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.
Scientists are still learning about the potential long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, which may still be unknown.
Some of the ingredients in e-cigarette aerosol could also be harmful to the lungs in the long-term. For example, some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the gut can process more substances than the lungs.
Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, a few of which have resulted in serious injuries.
Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes.
For information on how to talk to your teen about vaping and smoking, please click here for in English or here for En Español (Spanish).
For more information on the risks of e-cigarettes, please click here.
THE E-CIGARETTE AEROSOL THAT USERS BREATHE IN FROM THE DEVICE AND EXHALE CAN CONTAIN HARMFUL AND POTENTIALLY HARMFUL SUBSTANCES:
E-Cigarette, Vaping and Nicotine Resources
Freedom from Smoking (American Lung Association)
Program uses proven activities and tools to help you understand your own relationship with tobacco.
“Access the new e-cigarette quit program by texting “DITCHJUUL” to 88709. Parents and other adults looking to help young people quit should text “QUIT” to (202) 899-7550.”
“A customized quit plan that learns and grows with you.”
Facts about commercial tobacco product (including e-cigarettes) regulations in every state.
“Get the facts about electronic cigarettes and similar vapor products.”
Know the Risks: E-cigarettes and Young People (US Department of Health, Surgeon General)
“Learn more about the risks e-cigarettes pose to youth and young adults – and share the facts using these Surgeon General’s Report resources.”