Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping

“E-cigarettes,” “vaping,” “vape pen”… you may have heard these words in the news recently. The use of electronic smoking devices has skyrocketed in the past few years, especially – and alarmingly – among children and teens. But what are e-cigarettes? And why is there such alarm surrounding their use?
 

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes come in several forms, including devices that look like traditional cigarettes, or gadgets like flash drives or pens. This can sometimes make it hard to identify the device as an e-cigarette. Their small size also makes them easy to conceal. E-cigarette devices include a “pod” of e-cigarette liquid that contains a variety of chemicals, including nicotine and flavoring. When the device is activated, the liquid is heated up and becomes an aesorol – or vapor – which the user then inhales.
 

Why are e-cigarettes considered harmful?

Doctors and public health advocates have raised concerns over the explosive rise in e-cigarette use, especially among young people, for several reasons.

First, e-cigarette devices themselves can be dangerous. There have been many reports of devices that have exploded while being used, causing burns or fires.

Secondly, the United States has seen a dramatic increase in the number of vaping-associated illnesses and deaths over the past year. As of December 2019, more than 2,400 people have been hospitalized with lung injury related to e-cigarette usage.

Finally, the liquid that is vaporized and inhaled includes nicotine, which is highly addictive. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children who are regular users of e-cigarettes are at a greater risk of transitioning into using regular cigarettes. This concern is further magnified by the fact that e-cigarette liquid is frequently marketed with fruity or other sweet and enticing flavors, which may appeal to children and young adults. In fact, according to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, flavor is a common reason kids use e-cigarettes.
 

Vaping in the Media

Media is a big influence in why many children and teens think vaping is cool. We encourage all parents to have an open discussion with their children about what they see and hear in the media about smoking or vaping, and talking about how these messages might be trying to influence them to try these harmful behaviors.
 

Learn more about the dangers of e-cigarettes

• From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens and Young Adults
  • E-cigarettes and Severe Lung Disease Key Facts