Vaping FAQs

is vaping harmful for babies

by Prof. Edd Dickinson Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Here are some very real and very serious problems that your baby is at risk of developing if you vape during pregnancy:

  • Your baby could be stillborn.
  • Your baby could be born with low birth weight, and may need to be kept in the NICU.
  • The chances of developing defects at birth increase.
  • There is risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, colic, asthma, and ADHD.

The bottom line: No amount of vaping around your babies and children is considered safe. So it's important to take the proper precautions to avoid exposure to secondhand vaping and get the help or your partner needs to quit.Sep 26, 2022

Full Answer

What are the dangers of vaping?

The interchangeable use of smoking and vaping is most common in people under age 35. They face equal risk of heart attack or stroke than if they lit up exclusively. The takeaway is that there is no ‘best’ method of inhaling nicotine.

Is it safe to vape indoors around my kids?

March 15, 2019 It's not safe to use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), known as vaping or "Juuling," when you're pregnant or around your kids. Yet many parents vape without realizing that it's dangerous, according to two recent studies. Photo credit: iStock.com / amesy

Is secondhand vaping something to be concerned about?

“Vaping and secondhand vaping is just as dangerous,” clarifies Nader Nakhleh, D.O., a board certified pediatric pulmonologist. “Now it is our mission as experts to change the conversation around vaping from being a ‘better’ alternative to smoking to actually being equally as detrimental.”

What are facts about vaping?

Vaping is addictive. Vapes contain nicotine, an addictive chemical that is extremely hard to quit. Nicotine is the same drug used in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. Some vape pods have as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes (a pack of cigarettes). Because your brain is still developing until your mid-20s, you’re more likely to ...

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Can vape smoke hurt a child?

“Just like with cigarettes, babies and infants exposed to vaping can inhale or ingest second hand and third hand vaping of harmful toxins and carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nicotine, organic compounds that may be volatile, and fine particles,” says Dr. Rome.

Can I vape around my child?

Studies have found that the vape on such surfaces includes nicotine17. Secondhand and Thirdhand vaping is an issue that causes health issues particularly to young people and babies. There are a number of steps that can be taken to protect children: Quit Vaping – The best way to protect your children is to stop vaping.

Is second hand vaping harmful?

Yes, second and third-hand smoke and vaping aerosols contain harmful, toxic and cancer-causing chemicals that can be breathed in. They can go into the body through the skin. These chemicals can be swallowed, as many children put their hands or other objects into their mouths.

Is it OK to vape inside the house?

In contrast to the known harm from secondhand smoke, there's no evidence so far of harm to bystanders from exposure to e-cigarette vapour. The many harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke are either not contained in e-cigarette vapour at all, or are usually found at much lower levels.

Can you get 2nd hand smoke from vaping?

"Aerosols from vaping contain heavy metals and ultrafine particles," Islam said. "If somebody else is vaping in the same area, you're breathing it – those particles are entering your lungs, where they can do damage."

Is it safe to vape around children NHS?

But some health professionals have recommended avoiding vaping around pregnant women, babies and children. Your GP can give you advice about quitting smoking.

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 toddler inhales a 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.

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.

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.

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.

How to protect your kids from vaping?

Plain and simple: if you are a parent that vapes, do not do it near your children. “The best way to protect your children is to never smoke or vape near them,” says Dr. Judy. “Never smoke indoors, in your car, or in places that children spend time.

What is vaping in medical terms?

What is vaping? “Vaping is a term used for the use of electronic cigarettes. These are battery operated devices that entered the US market in 2006,” says Cynthia Ambler, MD, pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine. They also go by a ton of different names, brands and designs.

How do e-cigarettes and cigarettes differ?

Both e-cigarettes and cigarettes contain the drug nicotine, but they differ in how they get the drug to the lungs. “With vaping, the liquid nicotine is heated, aerosolized and inhaled—but with smoking, the tobacco is burned via combustion to form a smoke that is inhaled,” says Dr. Ambler.

What are the chemicals in vape smoke?

And the chemicals found in vape smoke are different from cigarettes. “E-cigarettes commonly contain propylene glycol and glycerol. These substances can decompose to form formaldehyde and acetaldehyde which are known carcinogens,” says Dr. Ambler.

What are the effects of smoking e-cigarettes?

E- cigarettes have also been reported to cause burns, explosive injuries and chemical injuries.

What happens if a child ingests nicotene?

If a child ingests nicotene, it is considered a poisoning.

Can vaping affect a baby?

Children may cough, wheeze, have more frequent respiratory illnesses, or show signs of nicotine toxicity.”. Specifically, when it comes to vaping around babies, you need to be aware that vaping around pregnant women can impact the developing baby. “We know that nicotine is toxic to developing fetuses,” says Dr. Judy.

Can pregnant women smoke e-cigarettes?

Pregnant women often don 't know if their e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Some also might use e-cigarettes during pregnancy because of the perception that the devices can help them quit or reduce cigarette smoking.

Can a baby smoke e-cigarettes?

While use of e-cigarettes might expose a growing baby to fewer toxins compared with those from regular cigarette use, nicotine exposure of any kind is harmful to a baby. If you're pregnant and you smoke or vape, quitting is the best way to give your baby a healthy start.

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes while pregnant?

E-cigarette liquids also contain chemicals, flavors and other additives that might not be safe for your baby. It's well known that smoking cigarettes during pregnancy can harm women and their babies.

Is vaping safe during pregnancy?

Using electronic cigarettes (vaping) during pregnancy isn't safe. Most electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) contain nicotine, which permanently damages a baby's developing brain and many other organs. E-cigarette liquids also contain chemicals, flavors and other additives that might not be safe for your baby.

Who is most at risk from vaping aerosols?

Children and babies are the group who are most at risk from vape aerosols because of their lower body weight and developing respiratory systems but there is a risk to everyone.

How to stop teens from vaping?

In addition, the single biggest factor in stopping teens from vaping or smoking appears to be to raise children in a smoke & vape free home. If the parents smoke or vape it normalises the behaviour in children who particularly when they are young look up to parents as their role models. This increases the likelihood that the child will go on to vape and smoke9. Read more about Teen Vaping

What is second hand vaping?

Second-hand vaping or passive vaping is where children breathe in the vape that has been exhaled by the vaper. Third-hand vaping is where the exhaled vape settles on surfaces and is then touched by children. Studies have found that the vape on such surfaces includes nicotine 17.

What is a vaping liquid?

Most of the vaping liquids contain nicotine as well as many other harmful chemicals. Vapour is exhaled by e-cigarette users as part of their vaping.

What happens when you smoke nicotine?

Aside from nicotine the vapour when exhaled contains: 1 Ultrafine particles – these can be inhaled deep into the lungs and may exacerbate conditions such as asthma and emphysema and could lead to a heart attack 3, 4 2 Volatile Organic Compounds – these are created as a by product of heating the vapour and can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and nausea, and can damage the liver, kidney and nervous system 12 3 Cancer causing toxins – These include Acetaldehyde (MS), Benzene (SS), Cadmium (MS), Formaldehyde (MS,SS), Isoprene (SS), Lead (MS), Nickel (MS), nicotine (MS, SS), N- Nitrosonornicotine (MS, SS), Toluene (MS, SS) 5, 6 4 Propylene Glycol (PG) – Research has shown that heating propylene glycol changes its chemical composition, producing small amounts of propylene oxide, a known cancerous toxin 7 5 Heavy metals – these are known to cause respiratory distress and disease and include nickel, tin and lead 8

What are the conditions that can be exacerbated by the ultrafine particles exhaled by vapers?

Asthma & emphysema – these can be exacerbated by the ultrafine particles exhaled by vapers 3, 4

Why are kids sucked in to e-cigarettes?

You can imagine how the kids get sucked in. Firstly, the peer pressure to move on to “the real thing” exists already , but more significantly for the simple reason that no e-cigarette will ever deliver nicotine as efficiently as a cigarette. All addicts eventually end up looking for ways to get more of their drug into their bloodstream faster, so it is with nicotine. That’s where cigarettes come in. Sadly, another generation of kids are sliding into the nicotine pit.

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 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.

Does vaping cause lung inflammation?

Sports: To do their best in sports. Vaping may lead to lung inflammation (irritation).

Why are e-cigarettes not safe to eat?

For example, some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the gut can process more substances than the lungs. 1. Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, a few of which have resulted in serious injuries.

When will e-cigarettes be banned?

On January 2, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized an enforcement policy that prohibits the sale of prefilled cartridge e-cigarettes in any flavor other than tobacco or menthol, unless authorized by FDA.

How much nicotine is in Juul pods?

All JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine. According to the manufacturer, a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes. 2

How do e-cigarettes produce aerosols?

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. The liquid used in e-cigarettes often contains nicotine and flavorings. This liquid is sometimes called “e-juice,” “e-liquid,” “vape juice,” or “vape liquid.”. Users inhale e-cigarette aerosol ...

How does nicotine affect the brain?

Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. 1.

What is an e-cigarette?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol, or mix of small particles in the air. E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, ...

Can you breathe in e-cigarettes?

Users inhale e-cigarette aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales it into the air.

What are the different types of e-cigarettes?

E-cigs also go by a lot of different names: 1 Vapes 2 Vape pens 3 Cig-alikes 4 E-hookahs 5 Hookah pens 6 Mods 7 Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)

How many people quit smoking with an e-cigarette?

E-cigarette users were more likely to quit smoking (18 percent) than those who used the patch or other nicotine replacement options (10 percent). While that sounds good at first, it means that more than 80 percent of the vaping group kept smoking.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

These may include nicotine (the stimulant in tobacco), natural or artificial flavors and scents, and vapor-producing chemicals like polyethylene glycol (the stuff in antifreeze). Some have few er risk y chemicals than others, but it's hard to make a safe choice. Here's why:

Can e-cigs help me quit smoking?

That's not likely. You may have heard that some people use e-cigs to help them quit smoking, but it's just not that simple.

Does vaping affect fertility?

There aren't any good human studies on vaping and fertility. Experts suspect that vaping may be less harmful than cigarette smoke, but isn't entirely safe. No matter how it's delivered, nicotine can affect fertility. To be on the safe side, you and your partner might want to quit altogether while you're trying to conceive.

What does an electronic cigarette look like?

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are small devices that often look like a cigarette or cigar, but can also look like pens, pocket flashlights, USB memory sticks, or other common objects.

Can pregnant women vape?

The Centers for Disease Control has also issued a warning that pregnant women should not vape. There are no studies on vaping during pregnancy, but we do know that any form of nicotine can affect a developing baby's brain and lungs.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

Is e-cigarette use linked to lung disease?

In 2019, a multistate outbreak of severe lung illnesses that may be linked to e-cigarette use was reported, including multiple fatalities.

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