Vapes & Electronic Cigarettes

“Vapes” and Electronic cigarettes refer to a range of electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, e-hookahs, vape pens, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and mods. E-Cigarettes/Vapes are devices that heats e-liquid into vapor to be inhaled by the user. E-liquid usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemical additives. Teens and young adults who smoke vapes are more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

JUUL e-cigarettes
are inconspicuous.

JUUL e-cigarettes are commonly used amongst middle/high school students. These devices look like USB flash-drives and are increasing in popularity for their low-profile appearance. One JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes.

Vaping affects
brain development.

The brain is the most important part of your body. An adolescent brain does not finish fully developing until 25. Youth and young adults are at high-risk for long-term effects when partaking in nicotine.

E-liquid is not just
water vapor.

The e-cigarette vapor that users breathe out from vapes contain harmful substances that can also effect bystanders. E-cigarettes are NOT harmless. It can contain nicotine, lead, volatile compounds, and cancer-causing chemicals.

Tobacco in any form
is unsafe.

Have an open and honest dialogue with your adolescent about the risks of tobacco use. The goal is to have a conversation, not to lecture or scare them.

For tips on how to approach this topic with your teen, visit the Surgeon General’s website.

Source:
CDC: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 2018.
U.S. Surgeon General's Report, Surgeon General, 2018.