Vaping FAQs

is vaping harmful to kids

by Mrs. Genesis Leuschke MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Parents should be concerned because:

  • Vaping increases the risk of teens developing an addiction to nicotine.
  • Vaping exposes children and teens to harmful metals and toxic chemicals found in e-cigarettes.
  • A mysterious, vaping-related illness is on the rise: e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI).

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:

Why are e-cigarettes not safe to eat?

When will e-cigarettes be banned?

How much nicotine is in Juul pods?

How do e-cigarettes produce aerosols?

How does nicotine affect the brain?

What are the most popular flavors of e-cigarettes in 2020?

What are the flavors of e-cigarettes?

See 4 more

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Vaping: What Parents Should Know (for Parents) - KidsHealth

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette). It’s common among teens. E-cigarettes (or “vape pens”) heat a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which is inhaled. The liquid (called e-liquid or “vape juice”) can contain nicotine or marijuana distillate or ...

Vaping: What You Need to Know (for Teens) - Nemours KidsHealth

E-cigarettes (or “vape pens”) heat a liquid until it becomes a vapor, which is inhaled. The liquid (e-liquid or “vape juice”) can contain nicotine or marijuana distillate or oil. E-cigarettes can be refillable or pre-filled with cartridges containing the e-liquid. The pre-filled e-cigarettes ...

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

What Exactly is Vaping?

You may have heard the smoking of e-cigarettes referred to as “vaping.” This word describes the process of smoking (inhaling and exhaling) the vapors produced by the electronic cigarette device. These vapors usually consist of liquid nicotine as well as flavoring and other chemicals to enhance the smoking experience.

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

One reason for this is that the product is readily available to teenagers and young people, sparking controversy and conversation about the health effects vaping can have on children.

Is vaping a smoking cessation tool?

Vaping started as a smoking cessation tool. Although e-cigarettes still produce nicotine and use tobacco, fewer dangerous chemicals are being inhaled during the process. Not to mention, vapor comes out clean, so it does not have such a bad effect on the lungs compared to smoke. It was originally easier for smokers to switch to vaping to quit smoking altogether. But now, it has become the next teen sensation. We need to look at the effects of vaping on children in more detail.

Is vaping bad for teens?

Although vaping was originally meant to help smokers quit their bad habit, it is now a common trend among young people and even teenagers. When the company JUUL made a USB-sized vape, there was an upsurge in teen smoking rates and teen health complications as a result of vaping. Not only is it an unhealthy habit, but it’s an expensive one, too! Save your wallet and your well-being by steering clear of e-cigarettes. If you are looking to schedule a consultation with the best asthma doctor in New York City, contact us online or give us a call at 917-924-6383 right away.

Is vaping safe for kids?

It is entirely unsafe for teens, children, and even young adults to regularly use e-cigarettes. The effects of vaping on children can be long-lasting. This is for several reasons:

Can e-cigarettes harm the respiratory system?

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain other harmful chemicals, including diacetyl, volatile organic compounds, nickel, lead, or fine particles that can get into the lungs. Some of these substances cannot be absorbed and therefore damage the respiratory system.

Can vaping affect your lungs?

For example, some of the chemicals used to create different vape flavorings can be harmful to the lungs. The flavors might be able to be ingested, as the digestive system can process and absorb different substances. But the lungs have a different design. Putting different chemicals into the lungs could result in permanent damage.

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 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 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 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.

What happens if you smoke a second hand?

Babies exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and kids exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to be sick more often with ear infections, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and breathing problems.

How many times more likely are children to be admitted to the hospital from e-cigarettes?

In addition, children exposed to e-cigarettes were more than 5 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital and more than twice as likely to have a severe health outcome than kids exposed to regular cigarettes.

Is vaping harmful?

There are dangers to vaping or JUULing. For starters, vaping devices don 't emit harmless water vapor — instead, they release aerosol that contains toxic chemicals, some of which have been linked to cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.

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

Why is vaping so difficult?

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

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.

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.

Is vaping bad for teens?

Adolescents often feel that bad things happen to everyone else, but the risks associated with vaping are real. Many teens are taking things a step further, adding cannabis, CBD oils and other dangerous additives to vaping devices.

How many high schoolers vape in 2020?

Close to 1 in 5 (19.6%) U.S. high-school students and 1 in 21 (4.7%) middle schoolers currently vape as of 2020. 10 E-cigarettes have created a new trend of nicotine addiction among American teens. The FDA and U.S. Surgeon General have declared it an epidemic.

How many high school students use e-cigarettes?

Yes. The number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes rose from 2.1 million in 2017 to 3.6 million in 2018, and further increased to 5.4 million in 2019.¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹². A spike in popularity has been fueled by enticing products, flavors, packaging and advertising that intentionally targets our kids.

What are the chemicals in vape cartridges?

The aerosols typically contain flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease,¹ nicotine and harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and acrolein.² Vape cartridges or “pods” can also be filled with THC, CBD or other “e-juice.”³.

Is vaping the same as e-cigarettes?

Are vape devices and e-cigarettes the same thing? Yes, e-cigarettes and vaping devices are synonymous. Ever-evolving slang or brand names are also used to refer to vaping, such as “JUULing,” or“blowing clouds,” a nod to the smoke “cloud” produced by exhaling chemical-filled aerosols.

Is vaping harmful to kids?

Research shows that vaping is dangerous, highly addictive and harmful to a child’s health and brain development. And like other addictions, it’s easier for kids to never start than try to stop once they’re hooked. Get the facts, so you can have a conversation with your child.

How many teens use e-cigarettes in 2020?

Yes. The number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes rose from 2.1 million in 2017 to 5.4 million in 2019, and although use of e-cigarettes by teens decreased in 2020, rates are still 73% greater than they were 4 years ago, equating to 1.3 million more teens vaping. 10 11 12 13

Is vaping liquid harmful?

Almost all vape liquid contains nicotine, which is addictive and harmful to adolescent brain development, and vaping aerosols contain chemicals linked to serious lung disease, and heavy metals.⁴.

Why are vapes dangerous for children?

Infants and children. Vape aerosols pose an especially high risk for infants and children because of their lower body weight and developing respiratory systems. , being exposed to even low concentrations of the components of vape aerosol can affect brain and lung development.

What percentage of people with asthma report vaping?

Based on the results of the 2018 Annual Asthma Survey by the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership, 14 percent of people with asthma reported that vaping or exposure to secondhand vape triggered their asthma symptoms.

What is the chemical in second hand vape aerosol?

Secondhand vape aerosol contains flavorings, such as diacetyl, a chemical that may impair the function of cilia in the airway.

How to quit smoking cigarettes?

Try to taper your nicotine dose gradually if you’re using vaping to help you quit traditional cigarettes. Cutting out nicotine altogether will minimize the risk of nicotine-related side effects for you and others.

Is vape aerosol harmful?

Its long-term effects are still being investigated. What we do know so far is that vape aerosol contains a number of harmful substances, including: There’s evidence that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand vape aerosol absorb similar levels of nicotine as people exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.

Does vaping smell like candy?

This brief exposure probably isn’t a huge deal, but secondhand vape aerosol (the “smoke” from vaping) is definitely a thing, even if it smells like candy.

Is vaping safe?

The safety and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes or other vaping products still aren’t well known. In September 2019, federal and state health authorities began investigating an outbreak of a severe lung disease associated with e-cigarettes and other vaping products#N#Trusted Source#N#. We’re closely monitoring the situation and will update our content as soon as more information is available.

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.

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.

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.

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 are the most popular flavors of e-cigarettes in 2020?

5 Among high school students who currently used any type of flavored e-cigarettes in 2020, the most commonly used flavors are fruit (73.1%), mint (55.8%), menthol (37.0%), and candy, desserts , or other sweets (36.4%). 5.

What are the flavors of e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes come in various flavors, including fruit, candy, mint, and menthol. A study from 2013-2014 showed that most youth who use e-cigarettes first start with a flavored variety, and flavors are the primary reason youth report using e-cigarettes. 6.

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