An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or a tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor, often called “vaping.”
Street Names
Blanks CloudFiendGhostGreeningMODNic Sick
PodRip ItStealth ModeStigTankThroat HitVape NationZYN
Why It Is Dangerous
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can cause addiction and harm the still-developing young brain. While nicotine is highly addictive at any age, it is especially dangerous for youth and young adults due to its effect on their developing brains. Nicotine is found in both tobacco products and most e-cigarettes but in a form called nicotine salts which is much more concentrated and highly addictive.
Fast Facts
• Using e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults.
• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the late 20's.
• E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.
• Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
Mythbuster
Currently, most disposable vapes are made in China and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The vape "juice" or the liquid that is heated inside the vape, contains harmful substances, including nicotine, ultrafine particles, flavoring such as diacetyl, cancer-causing chemicals, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.
A: Neither is a safe option. Both contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Both contain known carcinogens and heavy metals. Additionally, long term use of vapes has been associated with respiratory disease and even death.
A: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a growing body of evidence that adolescents who never tried cigarettes but use e-cigarettes at least double their chance of starting to smoke cigarettes later in life.
A: Address it as you would any other health risk and try to resist the urge to lecture, yell, or punish them. It is important to keep the lines of communication open, show your child that you are concerned about their health and safety, and keep the discussion from devolving into a useless standoff.
A: No! Vapes contain nicotine, which can make anxiety and depression worse. It can also affects memory, concentration, self-control, and attention, especially in the developing brains of youth.