Vaping FAQs

is vaping dangerous for kids

by Leif Simonis Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Side effects of second or third hand vaping on babies and kids

  • Poison – Nicotine vaping liquid can be poisonous within a few minutes of contact to an adult’s skin. To a child it can be deadly. ...
  • Asthma & emphysema – these can be exacerbated by the ultrafine particles exhaled by vapers 3, 4
  • Eye, nose and throat irritation – Volatile Organic Compounds created by heating the vaping liquid and exhaled can led to this 12

The use of 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 early to mid-20s. E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.

Full Answer

Why are kids dying from vaping?

Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood ; increase the risk of other types of addiction as adults; E-cigarettes also: irritate the lungs; may cause serious lung damage and even death

Why should kids not vape?

Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. can lead to smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use.

What to do if your child is vaping?

  • Wait until the child is sober to have the talk.
  • Understand that hostility won’t work. ...
  • Have evidence or at least a firm understanding of the root of the concern because this will help to remove or chip away at the child’s denial tactics.
  • Offer potential solutions, such as information on a rehab program that can provide professional help.

Why do kids start vaping?

Why are kids trying it? Good kids vape, too. Peer pressure and managing stress are some of the main reasons that kids start vaping, even "high-achievers". And as kids learn about how it makes them feel, they become addicted and use it to cope with stress, anxiety or social situations. Some other reasons kids experiment with e-cigarettes include:

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Is vaping around a child dangerous?

It's not safe to use vape pens or e-cigarette devices around kids. The vapor from e-cigarettes has chemicals in it that can be harmful to kids. There's another serious problem with e-smoking devices: Kids can get poisoned if they drink the liquid in nicotine delivery devices or refills.

What happens if a child inhales vape?

Nicotine poisoning often causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors (shakiness), and sweating, and can make the heart beat much faster than normal. Severe poisoning can cause seizures. It can even cause death.

Is it OK for a 13 year old to vape?

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

What age is it OK to vape?

A: The federal minimum age to purchase e-cigarette products is 18, but the laws vary by state – 49 states have set a minimum age that is older than 18. Unfortunately, the majority of underage vaping users are still getting the products from local gas stations or areas in their community that sell the products.

Does vape smoke stay in the air?

Like secondhand smoke, it lingers in the air long enough that anyone in the same room (assuming the room is small enough) is likely to inhale some of the exhaled aerosol. As the name indicates, the bystanders are not inhaling secondhand (or passive) smoke—because secondhand e-cigarette vapor simply isn't smoke.

What happens if a 12 year old vapes?

Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain. The brain keeps developing until about age 25. Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.

How can I tell if my kid is vaping?

Signs a person is vapingA sweet scent in the air. ... Unfamiliar pens and USB drives. ... Drinking more water. ... Nosebleeds. ... Smoker's cough or mouth sores. ... New batteries and chargers. ... Discarded vaping pods and devices.

What are 5 risks of vaping?

Vaping has been linked to lung injury.Rapid onset of coughing.Breathing difficulties.Weight loss.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

How many kids are vaping?

2022 Findings on Youth E-Cigarette Use 14.1% (2.14 million) of high school students and 3.3% (380,000) of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use.

What is Vaper's tongue?

Vaper's tongue (also known as vaper's fatigue) is a term that covers taste-related ailments. Often this happens from frequent use of a single, individual flavour. So, if you've been vaping the same flavour for a few weeks. you'll probably start to notice the difference in taste or lack thereof.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

How do I get my child to stop vaping?

5 Tips to Help Teens Quit VapingReason with your child. Have an honest discussion about the effects of vaping and how this type of addiction can lead to other substance abuse. ... Be present. ... Talk, don't punish. ... Appeal to their desire for independence. ... Equip them with support and resources.

What happens if a 2 year old Vapes?

The consequences for a toddler-age child ingesting vaping liquids could be devastating or even fatal. Symptoms include vomiting and, in a small percentage of cases, irregular heartbeat and seizures.

How much nicotine is harmful to a toddler?

The amount in only one cigarette butt is enough to poison a child. Other forms of nicotine are also extremely poisonous: cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, nicotine gum if chewed by a child, nicotine patches if chewed on by a child, and liquid nicotine used for electronic cigarettes.

How much nicotine is toxic to a baby?

Small ingestions could be deadly. With an estimated median lethal dose between 1 and 13 mg per kilogram of body weight, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of a 1.8% nicotine solution could be lethal to a 90-kg person.

How do you know if your child is vaping?

Signs a person is vapingA sweet scent in the air. ... Unfamiliar pens and USB drives. ... Drinking more water. ... Nosebleeds. ... Smoker's cough or mouth sores. ... New batteries and chargers. ... Discarded vaping pods and devices.

What are the health risks of vaping?

Health effects of vaping include the risk of chronic nicotine addiction, lung disease and damage, cardiovascular damage and increased risk for additional substance use.

Why are e-cigarettes so addictive?

Many e-cigarettes are extremely addictive due to the high concentration of nicotine in each hit. Combined with a vulnerable, developing brain, adolescents and teens are more susceptible to long-term nicotine addiction. "The nicotine that is contained in vaping products is very potent, and the potential for chronic nicotine addiction is so much more ...

How does e-cigarette use affect teens?

Use of e-cigarettes increases risk of other substance use. Teens who use e-cigarettes are much more likely to smoke tobacco, traditional cigarettes and use other substances such as drugs and alcohol. The NIH reports that 30.7% of e-cigarette users started smoking within 6 months while 8.1% of non-users started smoking.

What are the symptoms of smoking e-cigarettes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that symptoms include breathing difficulty, shortness of breath, chest pain, gastrointestinal distress and fatigue, all in patients who report e-cigarette use. Experts are currently investigating the exact cause of this condition.

Is vaping bad for teens?

While research is still underway about the health effects of vaping, Dr. Rao explains what we know and why teens are at risk. 1. Vaping puts teens at high risk for nicotine addiction. Many teens do not know that the majority of e-cigarettes contain nicotine, nor do they understand how addictive nicotine can be.

Can e-cigarettes cause bronchitis?

Another study from 2017 showed that adolescents using e-cigarettes were more likely to have chronic bronchitis compared to those who never used e-cigarettes.

Is vaping FDA approved?

Vaping devices are not FDA-regulated and have been found to contain substances that are not meant to be inhaled, like benzene, which leads to cellular damage of the lung. We don't yet know the long-term effects of vaping," Dr. Rao says.

What to do if you leave a vape cartridge in your bag?

If you leave a device or cartridge in your bag by mistake, lock it away like you would cleaning products, knives, and other dangerous items. Parents should always keep their e-cigs or vaping devices locked up. But as more and more people vape, there's a chance kids might find the devices or refills.

How to tell if a child is exposed to nicotine?

Call your local poison center (1-800-222-1222) right away if you think a child has been exposed to e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine. Signs of nicotine poisoning include: The child feels sick or is throwing up. The child looks pale. The child is sweating or drooling.

Is it safe to use a vape pen?

It's not safe to use vape pens or e-cigarette devices around kids. The vapor from e-cigarettes has chemicals in it that can be harmful to kids. There's another serious problem with e-smoking devices: Kids can get poisoned if they drink the liquid in nicotine delivery devices or refills.

Can nicotine cause a child to pass out?

The child has the jitters, is shaky, and has a fast heartbeat. In large enough amounts, nicotine liquid can cause kids to have seizures or pass out. If that happens, call 911 immediately.

Can kids get sick from vaping?

Kids can even get sick if the liquid gets on their skin. Because the candy flavors in many vaping solutions appeal to kids, a child might drink enough liquid to get seriously ill or even die. Your best approach is to leave all vaping supplies at home. That way you can't accidentally put a device or refill where a child might find it.

Can you get poisoned from too much nicotine?

If that happens, call 911 immediately. Even adults can be poisoned from being in contact with too much nicotine liquid. As you use or refill your device, be sure not to get any solution on your skin. When it's time to throw away a device or solution cartridge, follow the disposal instructions on the product label.

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In 2016, more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is inhaling and exhaling a vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. Vape pens have a container of liquid that is a mixture of flavoring, nicotine and other chemicals. The liquid solution is heated into a water vapor/mist that the user then breathes in.

Dangers of Vaping

Vape liquids can come in many sweet and fruity flavors making them popular among teens and young adults. The liquid in vape products can also contain harmful substances like anti-freeze, heavy metals and cancer-causing agents.

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Our adolescent medicine team has special training to meet the unique needs of teens. We're here to help guide you and answer any questions you might have.

How does vaping affect the brain?

Vaping puts nicotine into the body. Nicotine is highly addictive and can: slow brain development in kids and teens and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. can lead to smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use.

What is vaping in smoking?

What Is Vaping? Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette ( e-cigarette ) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals.

Why do people use e-cigarettes?

Some people use e-cigarettes to vape marijuana, THC oil, and other dangerous chemicals. Besides irritating the lungs, these drugs also affect how someone thinks, acts, and feels.

Why do people quit vaping?

People who vape need the right motivation to quit. Wanting to be the best, healthiest version of themselves is an important reason to quit vaping. Here are some others:

How does nicotine addiction affect you?

Nicotine addiction leads to very strong cravings for nicotine. It can also lead to: headaches. feeling tired, cranky, angry, or depressed. trouble concentrating. trouble sleeping. hunger. restlessness. The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping.

How to help my child quit vaping?

Suggest that your child look into local programs and websites that help people quit vaping. Your health care provider can help you and your child find the right support.

How long does it take for a drug to get better after stopping?

The signs of withdrawal are strongest in the first few days after stopping. They get better over the following days and weeks.

What are the chemicals that can be inhaled deep into the lungs?

Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Flavoring like diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious, irreversible lung disease called obliterative bronchiolitis. So-called volatile organic compounds, or gases emitted into the air that may have adverse health effects. Cancer-causing chemicals.

How does nicotine affect the brain?

Nicotine can impact the developing structure of the brain – altering reward pathways that navigate positive reinforcement in the brain – so that a child becomes more vulnerable, or is at increased risk, for becoming addicted to products that contain nicotine and other drugs in the future.

What are the causes of cancer?

Cancer-causing chemicals. Heavy metals, including nickel, tin and lead. The American Cancer Society notes that the cancer-causing substance formaldehyde, for one, may form "if e-liquid overheats or not enough liquid is reaching the heating element (known as a "dry-puff").". "People don't, I think, always realize that the secondhand smoke emissions ...

Why is quitting smoking the best thing?

Aside from a parent's own health, quitting is best because kids often follow the example of their parents. "Kids whose parents use cigarettes are up to four times more likely to use – to become smokers themselves – during the teenage years," he says.

Does e-cigarette smoke affect lung function?

Animal research shows that exposure to e-cigarette vapor leads to a decrease in the growth of tiny air sacs called alveoli in developing lungs. Based on such findings, while not definitively known since e-cigarettes haven't been on the market for long, exposure to nicotine early on in childhood may mean decreases in lung function, he says. What's more, where secondhand smoke can contribute to higher levels of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, secondhand vaping could possibly lead to problems with attention and hyperactivity as well, he says.

Can you get asthma from vaping?

And a study published in the journal Chest in January 2019 found that teens with asthma who were exposed to secondhand aerosol, without vaping themselves, were more likely to have an asthma attack.

Is second hand smoke bad for you?

Secondhand smoke from traditional cigarettes is known to cause tens of thousands of deaths annually in the U.S., and is implicated in some infant deaths, or sudden infant death syndrome. Likewise, chemicals in e-cigarette aerosol may also contribute to secondhand health problems. "People who are doing the vaping themselves, ...

What is vaping?

Vaping is the act of using an e-cigarette — specifically, the inhaling of vapor from e-cigarettes such as JUULs, cig-a-likes, vape pens, personalized vaporizers and mechanical mods. The point of vaping is to deliver nicotine, a particularly addictive drug, to the body.

How to quit smoking?

The good news is you’re not alone. In addition to getting help from your practitioner, family and friends, a number of other resources can support your efforts: 1 A “quit plan”: Create one that includes your reasons for quitting, smoking triggers to avoid and strategies to deal with cravings. (Check out the National Cancer Institute’s Smokefree.gov for more info.) 2 1-800-QUIT-NOW hotline: Get free counseling, advice to create a quit plan and information on local cessation resources. 3 The Smokefree Women website: Offers judgement-free information and resources to help mothers quit all nicotine products, including e-cigarettes. 4 Support groups: Nicotine Anonymous, online support groups and local smoking cessation programs can help. 5 One-on-one or group counseling: Moms who get counseling tend to be more likely to quit and less likely to start smoking again later.

What is Smokefree Women?

The Smokefree Women website: Offers judgement-free information and resources to help mothers quit all nicotine products, including e-cigarettes.

What is the minimum age to buy a cigarette?

In December 2019, the minimum age to buy tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, was raised to 21 — a good thing, since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that any exposure to nicotone, including secondhand exposure from e-cigarettes, may be dangerous for children.

What is a quit plan?

In addition to getting help from your practitioner, family and friends, a number of other resources can support your efforts: A “quit plan”: Create one that includes your reasons for quitting, smoking triggers to avoid and strategies to deal with cravings.

How old do you have to be to buy a vape?

They were first regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2016, some 10 years after they first hit the market. Now, you must be over 21 to buy vaping products, and manufacturers have to apply for permission from the FDA to sell their product and list in detail every ingredient they use plus exactly how it's made.

What is the point of vaping?

The point of vaping is to deliver nicotine, a particularly addictive drug, to the body. Vaping devices can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, but many look more like pens or, in the case of JUULs, USB drives.

Why is vaping so popular among teens?

First publicized as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, vaping caught on because it didn't contain the carcinogens or tars found in most smoking tobacco products. Also, vaping was supposed to eliminate the dangers of secondhand smoke to those nearby.

How long does a vape last?

Did you know most cigarettes are smoked within two to five minutes? E-cigarettes on the other hand can last up to 20 minutes, delivering more nicotine and damaging chemicals to the lungs. In addition, some vaping mixtures can contain 20 times the nicotine that a single cigarette contains.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid solution — usually, but not always, containing nicotine — turning it into a vapor that can be inhaled . If the base nicotine mixture is not palatable, many flavors, such as mint, apple and others, can make vaping attractive, especially to adolescents.

Why is vaping so difficult?

This is due to the difficulty in correctly identifying what they inhaled, especially when they are intubated or unconscious.

What is Project for Teens?

Project for Teens is an example of a local outreach program that provides support and education on the dangers of vaping. Similar programs may be available in your area. Resources are available to help teens quit through the American Lung Association and teen.smokefree.gov.

How to help a teenager who is vaping?

Encourage your teen to look into the warnings and media stories related to vaping, or reach out to his or her primary care provider with questions.

How to tell if a child is vaping?

Talk with your kids about the dangers of vaping, but also look for warning signs including: 1 Changes in emotions 2 Trouble sleeping 3 Scents of fruity odors on skin, breath and clothes 4 Strange cylinders, chargers or batteries lying around

How Can You Talk To Your Teen About Vaping?

Talk to your adolescent about the dangers of vaping. Start by engaging your child in a conversation, not lecturing. Try to get a feel for what's going on at your child's school or in their social circle. Answer their questions and troubleshoot social obstacles they may face in saying no to vaping.

Where Can Teens Get Help To Stop Vaping?

Quitting nicotine by yourself is difficult. Because it’s an addiction, it involves not only getting over the physical withdrawal symptoms but also changing behavior.

How does vaping affect teens?

Discussion points may include: 1 Vaping is addictive: Nicotine creates an addiction that hooks you, which makes you dependent on the substance. 2 Vaping is toxic: Talk about the types of toxic substances that are found in e-cigarettes. 3 Vaping affects the brain: Teens may not realize how nicotine may permanently affect a developing brain. 4 Your story: If you use nicotine products, talk about how you wish you never started or your struggle to stop.

Why is it so hard to quit smoking?

Because nicotine is highly addictive, it's hard for people to quit once they start using it. Withdrawal symptoms include: Intense cravings. Anxiety and irritability.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes – also called e-cigs, Juuls and vape pens – are battery-powered devices that heat liquid concoctions to create an inhalable vapor. They're becoming so common, it's likely your teen or their friends have tried them. In the last year alone, 78 percent more high school students started using e-cigarettes.

What is the substance in e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are loaded with just as much, or sometimes much more, addiction-forming nicotine as well as other toxic substances.

How many middle schoolers use e-cigarettes?

One in every 20 middle school students is already using e-cigarettes. So, having a discussion with your child before middle school is ideal. If you have older teens, it's not too late – talk to them about the dangers of vaping and how to avoid getting hooked.

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