Vaping FAQs

what healthcare workers need to know about vaping

by Lela Gerhold DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months, including patients who use e-cigarette, or vaping, products. It is not known whether patients with EVALI are at higher risk for severe complications of influenza or other respiratory infections.

Full Answer

What is vaping and how does it work?

What is vaping? Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called vaping, from the word vapor. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat liquid to release an aerosol (vapor) inhaled by the user. The liquid can contain propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings and other substances.

Is vaping bad for You?

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.

Can you get addicted to vaping?

Vaping has become one of the more popular ways to consume both tobacco and marijuana. But, as with anything, with popularity comes added attention to the potential risks. Vaping was designed to be addictive. A "vape," or electronic cigarette, is a device that heats up a liquid to create a vapor you inhale.

What is a vape cigarette?

A "vape," or electronic cigarette, is a device that heats up a liquid to create a vapor you inhale. Some types of vaping devices include pens, e-cigarettes (like JUUL), and hookahs. While vapingappears to be a healthieralternative to smoking cigarettes, there are still many health risks involved.

What to ask about e-cigarettes?

Where to report e-cigarettes?

What is the best treatment for evali?

Is THC a part of vaping?

Is vitamin E acetate linked to the eli outbreak?

See 2 more

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What are some health concerns with vaping?

The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:Nicotine.Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs.Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease.Volatile organic compounds.More items...

Why is vaping not allowed in hospitals?

The use of e-cigarettes in the presence of medical oxygen is potentially hazardous and should be banned in every hospital. Most hospitals in the United States include e-cigarettes in smoke-free policies that were developed for cigarette smoking.

Can you get fired for vaping at work?

If your company policy, state, or local law prohibits vaping at work, then yes, you can fire an employee for vaping at work. (Note: this doesn't mean that you can fire someone for vaping outside of work.)

What do anesthesiologists need to know about vaping?

Anesthesiologists should ask about vaping in the same way that they ask about smoking, the use of cannabis, and illegal drugs. It is important to ask vapers if they smoked prior to vaping as they may have chronic health issues related to smoking before they switched to vaping.

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 vaping considered smoking?

Vaping is not smoking, but some people find vaping works to help them quit because it offers experiences similar to smoking a cigarette. Vaping has a similar hand-to-mouth action as smoking, and it can also be social.

Is vaping gross misconduct?

Vaping at work is not illegal. However, if you have a policy prohibiting vaping, or restrictions in place to limit the use of electronic cigarettes at work, for example, to outside use during rest breaks, any breach of these rules will potentially amount to misconduct.

Is vaping the same as smoking in the workplace?

It is ILLEGAL for an employer or owner-operated business to allow any person to smoke in an enclosed space (with only certain exemptions). Smoking includes the use of an electronic smoking device, whether or not it contains nicotine. For example, the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens is prohibited.

Is it acceptable to vape at work?

However, e-cigarettes do not fall within the scope of this prohibition as they do not create smoke or burn tobacco. There is no separate law that regulates their use at work. Therefore it is up to employers to decide whether or not employees should be allowed to smoke e-cigarettes at work.

How long should you quit vaping before surgery?

It's recommended that you quit smoking, vaping, and using all nicotine products between three and six weeks before your procedure, and you should continue to abstain for up to six weeks after the procedure (though preferably permanently).

How long does it take for nicotine to leave your system?

People also process nicotine differently depending on their genetics. Generally, nicotine will leaves your blood within 1 to 3 days after you stop using tobacco, and cotinine will be gone after 1 to 10 days. Neither nicotine nor cotinine will be detectable in your urine after 3 to 4 days of stopping tobacco products.

What happens if u vape before surgery?

Anesthesia Concerns If you smoke or vape nicotine, it can also affect your lungs and heart, which are stressed during any surgical procedure. If you smoke or vape before your surgery, you are more likely to develop pneumonia or other respiratory conditions.

Will vape set off smoke alarm in hospital?

What About E-Cigarettes and Vaporizers? Unlike conventional cigarettes, these battery-powered versions create vapor as a byproduct, not smoke. Despite this, they can still set off a fire alarm if you blow vapor directly into it. All smoke alarms are sensitive to small, airborne particles.

Can you vape around someone on oxygen?

Oxygen is a fire hazard. It will make a flame burn hotter and faster. Never smoke or vape or let anyone else smoke or vape while you are using oxygen. Keep oxygen at least 6 ft (2 m) away from flames, sparks, or heat sources.

Does vaping affect your oxygen levels?

The researchers also found that vaping reduced the amount of oxygen in the blood by 20 percent, and made the walls of the blood vessels more rigid and stiff—a symptom often associated with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and stroke.

Is vaping better than smoking?

Also known as vapes or e-cigs, they're far less harmful than cigarettes, and can help you quit smoking for good. They are not recommended for non-smokers and cannot be sold to people under 18 years old.

CDC updates EVALI guidance for health care providers as flu activity ...

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An Update on E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use - Associated Lung ...

3 CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and public health and clinical partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of E-cigarette, or Vaping, Product Use - Associated Lung Injury (EVALI). Background

American Academy of Family Physicians

American Academy of Family Physicians

E-cigarette, or Vaping Product, Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI)

E-cigarette, or vaping product, use-associated lung injury, or EVALI, is the term for the lung disease that can develop due to vaping. Learn about symptoms and treatment.

How many people died from vaping in 2020?

As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

First, many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Second, e-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes.

How many chemicals are in e-cigarettes?

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. While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.”

How many people want to quit smoking?

If you have thought about trying to kick a smoking habit, you’re not alone. Nearly 7 of 10 smokers say they want to stop. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health — smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Nearly one-third of deaths from heart disease are the result of smoking and secondhand smoke.

What is the best way to protect your health?

One of the best things you can do to protect and improve your health is to stay informed. Your Health is a FREE e-newsletter that serves as your smart, simple connection to the world-class expertise of Johns Hopkins.

Is vaping bad for you?

Is vaping bad for you? There are many unknowns about vaping, including what chemicals make up the vapor and how they affect physical health over the long term . “People need to understand that e-cigarettes are potentially dangerous to your health,” says Blaha. “Emerging data suggests links to chronic lung disease and asthma, and associations between dual use of e-cigarettes and smoking with cardiovascular disease. You’re exposing yourself to all kinds of chemicals that we don’t yet understand and that are probably not safe.”

Can you use THC in a vape?

The CDC recommends that people: Do not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Avoid using informal sources, such as friends, family or online dealers to obtain a vaping device. Do not modify or add any substances to a vaping device that are not intended by the manufacturer.

What is vaping?

Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called vaping, from the word vapor. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat liquid to release an aerosol (vapor) inhaled by the user. The liquid can contain propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings and other substances. E-cig makers and supporters claim they provide a healthier alternative to smoking. Many users think they are an acceptable way to use nicotine where smoking isn’t allowed.

Is e-cigarette smoke toxic?

While e-cigarette vapor may have fewer toxic substances than cigarette smoke, e-cig users are still exposed to nicotine, which is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical, as well as toxins, metals and contaminants. Non-users around them also may be exposed to these harmful chemicals through the exhaled vapor.

Is vaping a preventable disease?

It’s one of the most preventable causes of death and disease. Adults and kids are smoking cigarettes less, but using e-cigs and other tobacco products more. Vaping may help re-normalize tobacco use and get kids started, even leading them to regular cigarettes over time.

Can it really help me stop smoking?

E-cigarettes are sometimes marketed as a way to quit smoking, but there is not enough conclusive scientific evidence that it works. One study reported adult smokers who used e-cigs were 28% less likely to quit successfully. The American Heart Association recommends using proven methods to quit smoking. The Association continues to advocate for strong regulation of e-cigarettes, such as including them in smoke-free policies, and restricting flavorings and marketing to kids.

What is a vape?

Vapes are battery-operated devices that heat liquid with nicotine, marijuana, or flavorings. Some vapes contain other unknown substances or chemicals. When heated, the liquid turns into aerosol, which people inhale or puff.

What are other common names for vapes?

Common names include electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), e-cigarettes, e-cigs, electronic cigarettes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and mods.

What are some of the dangers of e-cigarettes?

In mid-2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began reporting on cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury, including deaths. These lung injuries are linked to vitamin E acetate, which is mostly found in vaping products containing THC, but some patients reported using a mixture of THC and nicotine or nicotine alone.

What is the National Institute on Drug Abuse doing?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is researching COVID-19 in people who vape nicotine and marijuana to better understand what risk factors can lead to worse disease outcomes. Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse. Image credit: Adobe Stock. October 21, 2020.

Is vaping a quit aid?

However, vapes are not currently an FDA-approved quit-aid. More research is needed to further test vape safety and effectiveness for this potential use.

Is vaping regulated online?

Another challenge is that some vaping products that can be purchased online are not regulated. This means they may contain dangerous ingredients or defective parts.

Are vapes tested for safety?

Companies that sell vapes in the U.S. must apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for authorization. The FDA reviews the products to see if they meet regulatory guidelines. Because these products are new, the FDA is still in the process of determining which ones may continue to be sold. Another challenge is that some vaping products that can be purchased online are not regulated. This means they may contain dangerous ingredients or defective parts.

How does vaping work?

Vaping devices can vary in shape, size and color. Devices produce an aerosol byproduct from heating up a liquid that sometimes consists of flavorings and other chemicals that make vaping seem less harsh (initially at least) than smoking. This liquid delivers nicotine, marijuana, or other drugs to the user via a mouthpiece that is inhaled into the lungs then expelled via the mouth or nose.

What is vaping a cigarette?

A "vape," or electronic cigarette, is a device that heats up a liquid to create a vapor you inhale. Some types of vaping devices include pens, e-cigarettes (like JUUL), ...

How does nicotine affect the brain?

Nicotine use affects how the synapses—connections between brain cells— are formed. Regular usage in adolescence can also increase the risk for future addiction to cigarettes and other drugs. Other than nicotine, vaping liquid and subsequent vapor may include other harmful substances including: Cancer-causing chemicals.

How many people died from vaping in 2019?

There were morethan2,500cases of users being hospitalized for vaping-related injury as of December 17, 2019. Vaping has also led to 54 deaths across 27 states and the District of Columbia.

What is Juulpod nicotine?

While many of these products typically feature a liquid containing one-third-to-half the nicotine found in a cigarette —for example, one 5% strength JUULpod is designed to replace an entire pack of cigarettes in nicotine strength—vaping users still face many health and safety risks.

How many kids use e-cigarettes in high school?

According to 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) data, 3.6 million children in middle school and high school use e-cigarettes. Use, defined by at least once per day over the past 30 days, has increased 78 percent from 11.7 to 20.8 percent in 2018.

Does vaping put you at risk?

Vaping manufacturers knowingly put you at risk

Why is vaping better than smoking?

You’ve probably heard that many smokers turn to vape and perceive it as a healthier way to consume nicotine. But makes vaping better? After all, both cigarettes and vape kits focus on delivering nicotine to your body. Yes, that is true, but cigarettes also contain tobacco, and this substance makes all the difference. When heated, it produces thousands of hazardous components that lead to numerous health issues. Among the most popular ones is the formation of various forms of cancer in such organs as the throat, tongue, gullet, lungs, stomach, kidneys, testicles, and cervix. On top of that, tobacco can increase blood pressure, thicken the blood and promote the development of clots.

How many vaping devices are there?

Customers around the world can choose from various models of vaping devices and match them according to their needs and experience. Of course, there are starting kits for beginners which are easy to use and allow each person to figure out whether vaping is right for them. On the other hand, pod kits will work best for people who value portability, great design and like to engage in some stealth vaping. And box mods are a marvelous idea for users who prefer much more powerful devices and aim for customization. As the name suggests, box mods allow modifications and provide control over all the main features.

How much nicotine is in vape juice?

Yes, most vape juices contain various levels of nicotine – from 3 or 6 mg through 12 mg and all the way to 24 mg. Some of them can even hold an impressive 50 or 60 mg, but you don’t have to go that high. It is worth remembering that many manufacturers have in their offer nicotine-free products as well. They allow you to enjoy the taste of the vape juice and the overall vaping experience.

When was vaping invented?

However, the first electronic cigarette that serves as a base for the current devices was invented only in 2003. The discovery is attributed to Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik who wanted to develop a healthier alternative to smoking. In just several short years, vaping became popular across the world, and nowadays, it is widespread in the US, Europe, UK, Asia, and Australia.

Does vaping etiquette exist?

Though vaping is much healthier than smoking, there are still some rules that you should abide by if you don’t want to upset anyone. Usually, it is best to refrain from vaping in closed public places like restaurants, bars, hotels, offices and other businesses. You certainly can vape in areas designed especially for smokers. And if you’re not sure if you should vape in certain social situations, it is best to just ask your companions if they won’t mind.

What are the organs that are at risk when vaping?

When teens vape marijuana they’re putting two vital organs at risk: their brains and their lungs. The brain of an adolescent or young adult continues to grow and develop well into early adulthood, and is busy developing critical skills related to problem-solving, impulse control, anticipating consequences and more.

What are the symptoms of vaping?

Symptoms of this vaping-related lung illness, also known as EVALI ( E -cigarette, or V aping, product use A ssociated L ung I njury), include: 1 Shortness of breath 2 Weight loss 3 Night sweats 4 Fatigue 5 Gastrointestinal problems 6 Low oxygen levels 7 Lung failure and death (in severe cases)

What is a PAX vape?

Marijuana vaping devices often resemble vaping devices used for nicotine or other e-liquids. For example, PAX is a brand of marijuana vaporizers that closely resemble the popular JUUL devices. Those seeking to vape marijuana can also learn how to “hack” nicotine vapes to work with marijuana from countless YouTube videos and other online resources.

How to tell if your child is vaping?

How to recognize if your child is vaping marijuana. Vaping can be difficult to detect as there is no smoke, minimal odor (although you may catch a whiff) and the vapor produced dissipates rapidly. However, just like smoking, vaping marijuana can result in bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and thirst, increased appetite and shifts in behavior and mood.

Is Vitamin E acetate illegal?

Although the majority of marijuana vaping devices containing Vitamin E Acetate were bought through illegal channels, there have been several cases where the additive was identified in vaping products purchased from regulated marijuana dispensaries.

What to ask about e-cigarettes?

If EVALI is suspected, health care providers should ask about the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products in a confidential and nonjudgmental manner. The most critical step in assessing EVALI is to ask patients about recent use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. If product use is confirmed, ask about the types of substances used (e.g., [tetrahydrocannabinol] THC and nicotine) and where they were obtained.

Where to report e-cigarettes?

CDC encourages clinicians to continue to report possible cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) to their local or state health department for further investigation.

What is the best treatment for evali?

Corticosteroids might be helpful in treating EVALI.

Is THC a part of vaping?

National and state data from patient reports and product sample testing show tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online dealers, are linked to most EVALI cases and play a major role in the outbreak.

Is vitamin E acetate linked to the eli outbreak?

Vitamin E acetate is strongly linked to the EVALI outbreak. Vitamin E acetate has been found in product samples tested by FDA and state laboratories and in patient lung fluid samples tested by CDC from geographically diverse states. Vitamin E acetate has not been found in the lung fluid of people that do not have EVALI.

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What Is Vaping?

Image
Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called vaping, from the word vapor. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that heat liquid to release an aerosol (vapor) inhaled by the user. The liquid can contain propylene glycol, nicotine, flavorings and other substances. E-cig makers and supporters claim they provide a healthier alternativ…
See more on heart.org

What Are The Risks?

  • While e-cigarette vapor may have fewer toxic substances than cigarette smoke, e-cig users are still exposed to nicotine, which is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical, as well as toxins, metals and contaminants. Non-users around them also may be exposed to these harmful chemicals through the exhaled vapor. And the liquid can be toxic if eaten or absorbed through th…
See more on heart.org

Can It Really Help Me Stop Smoking?

  • E-cigarettes are sometimes marketed as a way to quit smoking, but there is not enough conclusive scientific evidence that it works. One study reported adult smokers who used e-cigs were 28% less likely to quit successfully. The American Heart Association recommends using proven methods to quit smoking. The Association continues to advocate for strong regulation o…
See more on heart.org

What’s The Bottom Line?

  • If you don’t currently use tobacco, don’t try vaping because you think it’s “cool” or “safe.” There is no such thing as a risk-free tobacco product. For true health, tobacco-free is the way to be!
See more on heart.org

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