An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or a "vape" is a device that simulates tobacco smoking. Vapes are small, sleek easy to conceal and seemingly everywhere. They can look like tech, can smell like candy and feel safer than smoking to teens. Most vapes contain highly addictive nicotine, plus chemicals. What starts a flavored habit can quickly become a daily dependency.
West Michigan youth data shows:
9% of high school students used an electronic vape in the past 30 days
22% of high school students report obtaining a vape by giving someone else money to buy it
28% of high school students have borrowed a vape from someone else
Flavored vapes like fruit, candy or mint are the most popular choices
Street Names
Blanks CloudFiendGhost MGreeningMODNic SickPod
Rip ItStealth ModeStig Tank
Flavored AirThroat HitVape NationZYN Magic Stick Mr. Fog Puff Bar Breeze
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette or similar device. These devices heat a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals. Teens often don't realize what's actually in the vapor or how much nicotine they are taking in.
Common type of vaping devices include:
- Disposable vapes (often flavored or colorfully packaged)
- Refillable vape pens or tanks
- Pod-based systems (like JUUL or Puff Bar)
Some vape products deliver nicotine salts or products that contain THC
Why It Matters for Teens
Teens Brains are still developing. especially part that control attention, decision-making and impulse control. Vaping is linked to:
- Long term changes in the brain chemistry
- Trouble with focus and memory
- Increased anxiety, irritability and mood swings
- A higher likelihood of switching to cigarettes or other tobacco products later on
Studies show that:
- Nearly all disposable vapes contain nicotine, even those labeled as "zero nicotine"
- Nicotine exposure during adolescence may increase the risk of addiction to other substances later in life
- Vape liquids can contain ultra fine particles, heavy metals like lead and chemical linked to lung disease
- Many teens who vape believe it's" just flavor" not realizing what they are inhaling
Common Myths, BUSTED
MYTH: "At least it's not smoking."
Science Says: Vaping still delivers nicotine and toxic chemicals. The delivery system is different but the same risks exist.
MYTH: "It's just water vapor."
Science Says: The cloud produced is actually an aerosol that includes heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that goes deep into the lungs. Elements found in the aerosol:
Nickel: battery, magnet
Phenol: Herbicides, disinfectants
Benzene: Gasoline, Explosives
Formaldehyde: Nail polish, Embalming fluid
Toluene: paint thinner, glue, stain removers
Isoprene: Rubber
Propylene Glycol : Antifreeze
Acetone: Nail polish remover, degreaser
Cadmium: oil paints, metal plating, car battery
MYTH: "They're not addicted- they just like the flavors."
Science Says: Nicotine addiction can look casual at first. But when your teen is anxious without it or hitting a vape often, it's no longer just about taste.
MYTH: " All kids try it. It's not a big deal."
Science Says: Trying it just once can change brain chemistry. And today's vape products are built to keep them coming back. Different vape concentrations come in options such as 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 12 mg/mL and more. For instance, one milliliter e-liquid with 18mg/ml nicotine is approximately equivalent to a pack of twenty cigarettes.
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.