Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults
- 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. 1
- 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.
Is vaping safe alternative to smoking near kids?
There is debate about whether vaping is safe around children as an alternative to cigarette smoke, but doctors are urging parents to reconsider embracing this misleading narrative.
Is it safe to vape weed around children?
You know the deal—the whiff of grape or cotton candy can be pleasant…but whether the vaping is coming from a nearby car or passerby, vaping can have serious health impacts on your kids. And if you vape around your children, you are putting them at serious risk for developing them. But it is a fact: it is not safe to do around children and babies.
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 it safe to have gun in house with children?
locked by either a password that your children don't know and won't guess, or a key that they cannot access. It is just as safe to have a gun in the house with children as it is to have a knife, an electric appliance, a dog or cat, a baseball bat or a heat source in the house with children.
How much nicotine is in Juul pods?
How do e-cigarettes produce aerosols?
How many countries have HTPs?
How does nicotine affect the brain?
What is a Juul?
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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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.
Is it OK for a 13 year old 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.
What age is it safe to vape?
Generally, at least 18 years old. The nicotine content in the vape does not impact the minimum age.
What happens if a 12 year old vape?
Getting addicted to nicotine can make it harder for teenagers to focus and concentrate. E-cigarettes also contain chemicals that could cause cancer, and there are many reports of serious lung problems connected to vaping. Additionally, vaping can make teenagers more likely to start smoking regular cigarettes.
What do I do if I catch my kid 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.
Should I punish my child for vaping?
Now that you are aware of the hazards brought by e-cigarettes, you have every right to punish your teen for vaping. It does not matter if they are only using it for recreational purposes. Vaping is still addictive and damaging. Some ways to punish your child are scolding and grounding them.
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.
Is nicotine-free vaping safe?
Additionally, some studies by epidemiological bodies have linked the use of a nicotine-free vape or e-cigarette to an increase in dry mouth, gum irritation, and forms of gum disease. They also come with a substantial list of possible negative side effects that come with every use, including: Reduced sense of taste.
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 the safest vape to use?
If you are looking for the safest vape kit then you might want to consider disposables or pod kits. These are often low powered and have safety cuts offs as well as other features to prevent them from overheating. Not only as disposables one of the safest vape kits, but they are also super easy to use.
Is it better to vape or smoke?
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.
What happens if a 13 year old smokes?
Cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence causes significant health problems among young people, including an increase in the number and severity of respiratory illnesses, decreased physical fitness and potential effects on lung growth and function.
How do I stop my 13 year old from vaping?
You might want to talk to a health care provider who can suggest effective nicotine cessation programs that help teens kick the habit.Vaping has become an epidemic. ... Ask questions. ... Be patient. ... Help them remove temptation. ... Encourage them to have a plan. ... Point them toward more help.
Can a 13 year old vape UK?
The legal vaping age in the UK is 18. You must be 18 years of age to purchase e-cigarettes or e-liquids from any UK vape shop or online store.
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.
Know the Risks: E-cigarettes & Young People | U.S. Surgeon General’s ...
Facts on e-cigarettes, addiction, and how nicotine can harm the developing brain from the U.S. Surgeon General. Risks of use along with resources and actions to help prevent harm to youth and young adults.
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 ...
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.
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 is vaping, and how does it work?
Vapes are battery-powered devices that contain coils used to heat up a liquid comprised of a mix of chemicals. Most vapes include nicotine, or marijuana as the active ingredient. Some devices are designed with the liquid contained in a tank that can be refilled.
Why are kids getting addicted to vapes?
As a result, vaping a single pod can result in nicotine addiction, and also symptoms of nicotine toxicity. Similarly, the concentration of THC in dab pens can result in addiction and in acute mental health impacts.
What is the appeal of e-cigarettes to kids?
Vape pods come in as many as 16,000 flavors designed to appeal to young people — from buttered popcorn and gummy bears to fruit loops and bubble gum. The flavor pods are marketed with engaging images to match the flavor. Some pods are designed to be identical to candies, juice boxes, or other child-friendly items.
Are the chemicals in vapes dangerous?
Yes. In addition to nicotine or marijuana, the flavors contain chemicals that pose many serious health dangers. While some of the chemicals used to make the flavors are approved by the FDA for food, they are dangerous when inhaled into the lungs.
Why has vaping suddenly been in the news?
Over the last few months, an alarming number of people have experienced symptoms of vaping associated pulmonary illness (VAPI). At Boston Children’s, we are seeing children who have used vapes and are experiencing serious respiratory symptoms, in some cases severe enough to require admission to the intensive care unit. Researchers at Boston Children’s have also been tracking the VAPI epidemic over time.
Do Casey and Levy agree?
Both Drs. Casey and Levy agree that prevention is always best. Find or make opportunities to talk with your children about drug use starting from a young age and provide honest information about the many serious risks that come with using vapes.
Is Massachusetts banned from vaping?
In the wake of hundreds of people around the country hospitalized with vaping associated pulmonary illness, and multiple deaths, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker recently imposed a four-month ban in the state on the sale of all e-cigarettes and vape products, including equipment used for vaping marijuana.
What percentage of dual users have policies banning vaping?
And only 21 percent of dual users had policies banning vaping inside the car. Winickoff hypothesized that parents may ...
Why are e-cigarettes safer in enclosed spaces?
Winickoff hypothesized that parents may view e-cigarettes as safer in enclosed spaces because, “they typically don’t have the foul odor that the cigarettes have and the aerosols become invisible after a few seconds.”
Is thirdhand exposure a long term health risk?
While we don’t yet know what the long-term health risks of thirdhand exposure may be, King pointed out that, “All thirdhand exposure was once secondhand exposure, so if you prevent use in indoor environments, it’s going to reduce those risks.”
Does nicotine affect the prefrontal cortex?
Trusted Source. nicotine use has on the still-developing prefrontal cortex. However, the research into adolescent impacts of nicotine exposure relates to teens who are actually smoking and vaping themselves, but it’s at least possible that exposure in other ways could have similar impacts.
Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?
Exposure to e-cigarette vapor isn’t as harmless as you may think. Getty Images. Parents who smoke cigarettes typically don’t light up in enclosed spaces like their cars or their homes with children or infants around. After all, we’ve known for years that secondhand smoke is bad for our health. Trusted Source.
Does smoking cause addiction?
The AAP has released data showing that early use of nicotine is related to increased addiction and a greater difficulty quitting.
Does nicotine cause depression?
He pointed out that previous studies of children and adolescents who use nicotine found that “nicotine exposure can lead to mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. Early exposure to nicotine may prime the brain to make it more susceptible to addiction in adolescence and early adulthood.”
Is vaping around young children, kids & babies safe?
E-cigarettes or vaping devices are electronic products that heat a liquid to produce a vapour/smoke and were created as nicotine delivery systems just like cigarettes. They come in many shapes and sizes from looking like cigarettes, to USB flash drives (JUUL), to large tank system devices.
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
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 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.
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 happens if you inhale diacetyl?
Diacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquid to enhance the taste. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways — popcorn lung — which makes breathing difficult. Popcorn lung has no lasting treatment. There are, however, treatments that manage BO symptoms, such as: 1 Coughing 2 Wheezing 3 Chest pain 4 Shortness of breath
What is a vape pen?
With vaping, a device (typically a vape pen or a mod — an enhanced vape pen — that may look like a flash drive) heats up a liquid ( called vape juice or e -liquid) until it turns into a vapor that you inhale. “Vaping is a delivery system similar to a nebulizer, which people with asthma or other lung conditions may be familiar with,” says Broderick. ...
What to do if your lung hurts?
What to Do If Your Lungs Hurt. If you smoke or vape, don’t brush off chest or lung pain as something that’s normal. If you have pain or other symptoms associated with breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath and chronic cough, it’s important to see a doctor.
What is the condition called when you get sick from eating popcorn?
“Popcorn lung” is another name for bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), a rare condition that results from damage of the lungs’ small airways. BO was originally discovered when popcorn factory workers started getting sick. The culprit was diacetyl, a food additive used to simulate butter flavor in microwave popcorn.
Does diacetyl help with popcorn lung?
Diacetyl is frequently added to flavored e-liquid to enhance the taste. Inhaling diacetyl causes inflammation and may lead to permanent scarring in the smallest branches of the airways — popcorn lung — which makes breathing difficult. Popcorn lung has no lasting treatment. There are, however, treatments that manage BO symptoms, such as:
What is the chemical that can damage your lungs?
Acrolein: Most often used as a weed killer, this chemical can also damage lungs.
What is the food additive used to deepen e-cigarette flavors?
Diacetyl: This food additive, used to deepen e-cigarette flavors, is known to damage small passageways in the lungs.
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 many countries have HTPs?
They are different from e-cigarettes, which heat a liquid that can contain nicotine derived from tobacco. HTPs are available in at least 40 countries and several have been authorized for sale in the United States by the FDA.
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 a Juul?
JUUL is a brand of e-cigarette that is shaped like a USB flash drive. Like other e-cigarettes, JUUL is a battery-powered device that heats a nicotine-containing liquid to produce an aerosol that is inhaled.
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.