Vaping & Lung Health

What Is Vaping?

Vaping Devices, also known as vapes, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-vaporizers, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are battery operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol, which typically contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals or additives. First generation electronic cigarettes resembled traditional tobacco cigarettes, pipes and cigars.  These devices have evolved to the point that they may not resemble first version devices. Second and third generation products often resemble pens, USB drives, and watches.

Nicotine Levels May Be Much Higher

The nicotine levels in newer e-cigarettes may be much higher than first generation e-cigarettes or combustible tobacco products, due to the use of nicotine salts. Not only can a nicotine-based solution be converted to an aerosol and vaped, but forms of THC and other illicit drugs may be used in vaping devices.

The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded that the electronic cigarette aerosol is not harmless.  Electronic cigarettes contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs. E-cigarettes can also contain acrolein and diacetyl, which are chemicals that link to lung injury and disease. An expert committee from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found conclusive evidence that:

  • E-cigarette use increases airborne concentrations of particulate matter and nicotine in indoor environments compared with background levels.
  • Exposure to nicotine from e-cigarettes is highly variable and depends on product characteristics (including device and e-liquid characteristics) and how the device is operated.
  • In addition to nicotine, most e-cigarette products contain and emit numerous potentially toxic substances.
  • Other than nicotine, the number, quantity, and characteristics of potentially toxic substances emitted from e-cigarettes are highly variable and depend on product characteristics (including device and e-liquid characteristics) and how the device is operated.
  • E-cigarette devices can explode and cause burns and projectile injuries. Such risk is significantly increased when batteries are of poor quality, stored improperly, or modified by users.
  • Intentional or accidental exposure to e-liquids (from drinking, eye contact, or dermal contact) can result in adverse health effects including but not limited to seizures, anoxic brain injury, vomiting, lactic acidosis, and death.

The FDA has not found any electronic cigarette to be safe or effective in helping smokers kick the habit. In fact, using vaping devices to quit smoking may increase the risk of becoming a “dual user”, becoming addicted to both traditional tobacco products and vaping devices. Completely substituting e-cigarettes for combustible tobacco cigarettes reduces users’ exposure to numerous toxicants and carcinogens present in combustible tobacco cigarettes. We recommend using an approved Nicotine Replacement Therapy with a plan to quit. The more you know, the easier it is to make healthy and more informed choices.

Resources For Information About Vaping & E-Cigarettes

A Parent's Quick Guide To Vaping
CDC: Electronic Cigarettes
Vaping: Know The Risks
SAMSHA Vaping Guidebook

A Parent’s Quick Guide to Vaping

What Is Vaping?

Using an e-cigarette is commonly called vaping. E-cigarettes are electronic devices that work by heating a liquid to produce a mix of small particles in the air called aerosols. The liquid may contain nicotine, THC, CBD, and other substances.

Most Popular Flavors

• Cool Mint
• Blueberry
• Menthol
• Mango
• “Soda Flavors”

Devices & Products

Popular products include those that are disposable, and refillable pod based devices. Brands market using appealing flavors and flashy colors as well as mimic logos of other popular items on the market.

MYST

HYPE

JUUL

HYPE

BANG

Student Data

According to Smokeless Saturday data the most commonly used substances among our participants were:

  • Vape, JUUL, e-Cigs 90% 90%
  • Caffine 56% 56%
  • Mariuana 46% 46%
  • Cigarettes 37% 37%

What You Can Do

  1. Talk early & often – ask open ended questions.
  2. Support healthy activities.
  3. Set clear expectations of no use.
  4. Establish clear consequences.
  5. It’s not your job to be cool.
  6. Do not provide alcohol or drugs to your teens.
  7. Pay attention to signs of vape use, such as the presence of unusual devices, sweet smells, and dry mouth and nose.
  8. Make time for your child.
  9. Prioritize sleep.
  10. Intervene early if you suspect use.

Popular Youth Apps

We suggest you become familiar with social media channels that commonly show vape trends.

Resources

Download "A Parent's Quick Guide to Vaping" PDF

Vaping Information

For more information about Vaping & Lung Health program, contact:
Phone: (724) 772-1750