Vaping FAQs

what is really the deal with teens and vaping

by Jaclyn Waters DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The Effects of Vaping on Teens

  1. The brain does not stop developing until the age of 25, so the use of nicotine could damage the parts of the brain that control attention span, learning, mood, and impulse control.
  2. Another thing to consider is that nicotine can change the way synapses between brain cells are created, which can have a negative impact on your child’s memory or how they learn new skills.

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.Oct 20, 2022

Full Answer

Why teens shouldn't vape?

The Top Three Reasons Teens Should Stop Vaping

  • Lung Illness. Hundreds of teens have been hospitalized due to vaping related lung illnesses. The Chicago Tribune covered...
  • Bad Devices. With the rising popularity of vaping, many counterfeited devices have entered the market. Vaping black...
  • Death. The Center for Disease Control reported vaping related deaths have been...

Why has vaping became so popular with teenagers?

Why has vaping become so popular with young people specifically and how harmful is it compared to cigarettes? Vaping has become popular with kids because it’s less detectable. You can easily vape flavors that do not leave a tobacco odor. You can put a vape straight into your pockets or even throw it without worrying about setting things on fire.

What effects does vaping have on teenagers?

What Are the Other Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults?

  • Scientists are still learning about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes.
  • Some of the ingredients in e-cigarette aerosol could also be harmful to the lungs in the long-term. ...
  • Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, a few of which have resulted in serious injuries.

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What excites teenage most about vaping?

  • Being curious about vaping (56 percent)
  • Friend or family member vapes (24 percent)
  • They are drawn to the flavored vape liquids, with mango and mint most popular (22 percent)
  • Believing that vaping is less harmful than using tobacco in other forms, such as cigarettes (17 percent)

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How many teens are vaping in 2019?

What is the use of e-cigs?

Does vaping affect the immune system?

Does marijuana affect teen brain development?

Is vaping marijuana dangerous?

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What does vaping do to teenagers?

Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections – or synapses – are built between brain cells. Young people's brains build synapses faster than adult brains.

What percentage of teenagers vape?

Data also shows that teens are not simply experimenting with e-cigarettes but are instead using them habitually. In 2021, more than a quarter (27.6%) of high school e-cigarette users and 8.3% of current middle school e-cigarette users reported vaping daily, according to the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

How common is vaping in high school?

E-cigarettes were young smokers' most commonly used product That equates to about 13 percent of high school students and 4 percent of middle school students.

What are 5 dangers of vaping?

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

Should I let my teenager vape?

Is it OK to let my kid vape? Because of the adverse effects and addictive quality, it is not a good idea to allow a teenager (or anyone) to vape. Aside from the risk of heart attack or stroke, the nicotine alone has been shown to be a highly addictive substance.

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.

Can you test your child for vaping?

Blood Test: A simple blood draw can detect traces of nicotine about two hours after use. Test priced at $70. Hair Follicle Test: This is a good option for parents who think their child has been either vaping or smoking nicotine for a long period of time and the child might stop using it just to get through the test.

What age group vapes the most?

Teens and young adults. Gallup says that 20% of people age 18 to 29 vape, compared to 9% of people age 30 to 49, 7% of people age 50 to 64, and less than 0.5% of people older than 65. And, according to the Truth Initiative, 15- to 17-year-olds are 16 times more likely to vape than 25- to 34-year-olds.

How do I know if my kid is vaping?

Signs of vaping include: new health issues such as coughing or wheezing. e-cigarette supplies, like cartridges or other suspicious looking items. new smells (some flavorings are banned, but others are in nicotine and marijuana vapes — so parents might notice fruity or sweet scents)

What are the benefits of vape?

Benefits of vaping Vaping can help some people quit smoking. Vaping is usually cheaper than smoking. Vaping is not harmless, but it is much less harmful than smoking. Vaping is less harmful to those around you than smoking, as there's no current evidence that second-hand vapour is dangerous to others.

How do lungs heal from vaping?

However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try and accelerate the rate at which your lungs heal.Drink Lots Of Water. ... Eat Healthy Foods. ... Exercise Regularly. ... Cough. ... Clean Your Living Space. ... Practice Deep Breathing. ... Try Steam Therapy.

What does vaping do to your brain?

The majority of vape liquids contain nicotine. In addition to being highly addictive, nicotine alters the neurotransmitters in the brain. It has been found to slow brain development in teens and affect memory, decision-making, concentration, self-control, and mood.

What age group Vapes the most?

Teens and young adults. Gallup says that 20% of people age 18 to 29 vape, compared to 9% of people age 30 to 49, 7% of people age 50 to 64, and less than 0.5% of people older than 65. And, according to the Truth Initiative, 15- to 17-year-olds are 16 times more likely to vape than 25- to 34-year-olds.

What percentage of people vape?

Key findings In 2018, 14.9% of adults had ever used an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), and 3.2% were current e-cigarette users. The prevalence of adults who had ever used an e-cigarette and were current users was highest among men, non-Hispanic white adults, and those aged 18–24.

What percentage of JUUL users are under 18?

From the PATH Study, 31% of JUUL users were youth (aged 12–17 years). In the TLC study, 30% of current JUUL users were aged 15–17 years.

What percentage of college students vape?

This statistic shows the percentage of college students in the U.S. who reported using select tobacco products in the last three months, as of fall 2021....CharacteristicPercentage of respondentsE-cigarettes or other vape products75.7%Cigarettes42%Cigars or little cigars16.2%Water pipe or hookah10.2%2 more rows•Mar 2, 2022

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.

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.

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.

How many high schoolers are vaping?

The 2019 survey shows the rate of vaping among high school and middle school students continues to rise. With more than 1 in 4 high schoolers and 1 in 10 middle schoolers reporting vaping use, the need to educate families about the risks of vaping is critical.

What is the danger of vaping?

Vaping exposes children and teens to harmful metals and toxic chemicals found in e-cigarettes.

How many people died from vaping in 2020?

Those direct health harms include a dramatic rise in acute lung injuries associated with vaping, known as EVALI. It’s unclear what is causing the condition, but the common denominator is e-cigarette use. Across the United States, more than 2,660 cases of EVALI hospitalization or deaths were reported to the CDC, as of Jan. 14, 2020. Sixty deaths related to EVALI were confirmed in 27 states and the District of Columbia during the same time. “These are lung injuries that look like the person worked in a chemical plant for years,” says Dr. Jenssen.

What are the metals in e-cigarettes?

On top of that, recent research on actual e-cigarette users has shown that they are taking in heavy metals like nickel, tin and lead, as well as chemicals known to cause cancer. Some of that is coming from the flavorings and the heating devices, and some is from the tobacco from which the liquids are made.

How old is too old to be addicted to nicotine?

Children and teenagers younger than 18 years old are especially vulnerable to addiction. “Nicotine can change the biochemical pathways in the body, making paying attention more difficult and priming the brain for addiction,” says Dr. Jenssen.

Is vaping a public health crisis?

Teen Vaping Is a Public Health Crisis: What You Need to Know . Vaping among preteens and teens has reached a crisis point, according to a 2019 survey, and it threatens to undo years of public health efforts that had led to a decline in nicotine use. Parents should be concerned because: Vaping increases the risk of teens developing an addiction ...

Is vaping a good alternative to smoking?

Myth: Vaping is a “healthier” alternative to smoking. Fact: There is no evidence that supports the claim that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking. These products are not regulated by the FDA and do not disclose their ingredients. Myth: Vapes don’t contain nicotine.

What can parents do about vaping?

What Parents Can Do About Teen Vaping. Parents can take steps to help prevent their kids from vaping health risks. In particular, communication between parents and teens is key in supporting good choices and positive coping mechanisms. Here are some ways to protect teens from the dangers of vaping.

How to tell if a teen is vaping?

What Parents Can Do About Teen Vaping 1 Watch for warning signs. Because e-cigarettes do not have an odor, it’s harder to tell when teens are using them. However, there are other signs to watch for, including bloodshot eyes, increased thirst, nosebleeds, and cough. 2 Ask open-ended questions. Avoid yes/no questions when talking with teens about vaping. Ask them what they’ve heard about vaping and what their peers think about it. Approach the conversation with caring and curiosity, not judgment. If a teen admits to vaping, react with compassion. 3 Let them know about the dangers. Make sure that teens understand the potential long-term consequences of vaping. 4 Set a good example. If parents don’t want their teens to vape or smoke, they shouldn’t do so either. Teens will have a hard time believing that vaping is dangerous if they see adults doing it. 5 Get them the help they need. If a teen wants to stop vaping, make sure they receive access to professional help for breaking the habit and dealing with the physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal.

What Is Vaping?

Vaping refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, or vapor, created by a vaping device. A vaping device includes a mouthpiece, a battery, a heating component, and a cartridge that contains the e-liquid or e-juice. The e-liquid is a combination of nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Vaping devices can also be used to vaporize THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana, by replacing e-liquids with cannabis-infused oils.

What are the chemicals in vape juice?

Along with nicotine, vaping liquids contain additives such as propylene glycol and glycerol. These toxic chemicals have been linked to cancer, respiratory disease, and heart disease. Scientists have also found that diacetyl, a chemical used to flavor some vape juice, may cause a condition called “popcorn lung,” the scarring and obstruction of the lungs’ smallest airways. In addition, a study found that some common chemicals used to flavor vape juice could damage endothelial cells. These are the cells that line blood vessels and lymph vessels.

What is the purpose of a vape battery?

The battery in a vaping device powers the heating component, which heats up the e-liquid , also known as vape juice . As a result, the device produces water vapor. Users inhale this vapor into their lungs.

How much has vaping increased in high school?

According to the most recent Monitoring the Future study, use of vaping nicotine has nearly doubled among high school seniors, increasing from 11 percent in 2017 to 20.9 percent in 2018. Vaping has also significantly increased among eighth and 10th graders.

How many deaths from vaping?

Most recently, a vaping-related health crisis has resulted in hundreds of respiratory illnesses across the United States and at least six deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Why Are So Many Teens Vaping?

There are many reasons why vaping is on the rise among teenagers. A lot of teens like vaping because they are attracted to the high tech look and feel of the vapes.

How to educate teens about vaping?

How to Educate Teens on Vaping. The best way to educate teens about vaping is to tell them about the risks associated with it. Some teenagers do not know that vaping could cause damage to their health, so making them aware of this fact could convince them to quit.

How many cigarettes are in a Juul pod?

In fact, the amount of nicotine in some Juul pods can be the equivalent of 20 cigarettes. A nicotine addiction could also result in vaping teens using tobacco. In 2018, the National Academy of Medicine reported that vaping could increase the chances of someone starting smoking.

What is the CDC recommendation for vaping?

The first thing they say is that parents should be tobacco and vape free themselves. Choosing not to smoke or vape will set a good example.

What happens if you spot a student vaping?

Failure to do so is a violation of many school policies, and ignoring vaping could result in being fired.

How do teens overcome nicotine addiction?

Teenagers can overcome their addictions to nicotine through willpower and assistance from supportive family and friends.

How to approach a teen who is vaping?

The best and most effective way to approach teens vaping is not to be confrontational. Calmly approach them and speak to them in a regular voice. Do not yell at them or strike them. Doing this will put the child on the defensive and make them more confrontational.

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, ...

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 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.

Why do teens vape?

When it comes to why teens themselves say they vape, many of their reasons have a social connection. In the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey, middle and high school students named their top reasons for trying e-cigarettes as: 1 Curiosity (55.3%) 2 A friend or family member used them (30.8%) 3 Availability of flavors like mint, candy, fruit, or chocolate (22.4%) 4 They can be used to do tricks (21.2%)

Why do teens use e-cigarettes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that many young people report using e-cigarettes because they think they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes.

Why is the nicotine content in e-cigarettes going up?

That’s largely because some e-cigarettes contain nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine, which allows for a higher level to be absorbed more quickly, and with less irritation.

How many high schoolers smoke in 2019?

Cigarette smoking rates, meanwhile, continue to drop — 5.8% of high school students smoked in 2019, down from 15.8% in 2011. So while many teens wouldn’t give traditional cigarettes the time of day, many are clearly willing to try e-cigarettes.

What are the efforts to knock down cigarette smoking rates in adults and teens?

Many of the efforts that worked to knock down cigarette smoking rates in adults and teens — health campaigns, higher taxes, age restrictions, and making smoking hard to do both indoors and even out — also left an opening for e-cigarettes.

How many high school students smoke e-cigarettes?

Cigarette smoking rates, meanwhile, continue to drop — 5.8% of high school students smoked in 2019, ...

Can you still buy flavored e-liquid?

Vape shops can also still sell flavored e-liquids for refillable devices. Physical retail stores, including vape shops, are where 74% of young people buy e-cigarettes, according to a 2018 survey by the Truth Initiative.

How do I stop vaping?

There is not yet one tried and true "answer" for how to stop vaping , but with good family discussion and support, you and your teen can find out together the best answer for them. Here are some resources I recommend to educate yourself on vaping and prevention:

Do teens want to talk to their parents about vaping?

Teens also want their parents to be approachable for a conversation about vaping. "If kids do decide to experiment with vaping, they should be made to feel comfortable talking to and getting information about the topic from their parents," says Morgan Patsy, 17, from St. Paul, MN.

Is vaping a trend?

Vaping is a recent trend in youth experimentation, and the dangers are becoming more evident. Parents.com's 'Ask Your Mom' advice columnist Emily Edlynn, Ph.D., explains the ways to deal if your teen is vaping that will make it more likely for them to actually stop. By Emily Edlynn, Ph.D. November 15, 2019.

How many teens are vaping in 2019?

Vaping marijuana continues to dramatically increase in popularity among teens, according to numbers from the latest Monitoring the Future study . In 2019, 14% of high school seniors admitted to vaping marijuana in the past month. This is almost double the percentage from 2018. In addition, 21% of 12 th graders reported vaping marijuana within ...

What is the use of e-cigs?

As mentioned earlier, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is also referred to as vaping. There are hundreds of different brands and a few different styles of e-cigs. But in general, they are all battery-operated devices that have a cartridge that holds a liquid solution. When a person puffs, the e-cig vaporizes the liquid and the user inhales the vapor.

Does vaping affect the immune system?

Vaping (and smoking) can cause damage to a person's lungs. Those activities can also affect a person's immune system. People with lung issues are more hurt by COVID-19 symptoms than healthy people.

Does marijuana affect teen brain development?

Studies have found that regular marijuana use during the teen years disrupts brain development and can also lead to problems with attention span, behavior and impulse control in adulthood.

Is vaping marijuana dangerous?

Vaping marijuana (THC oil) can be more dangerous than smoking the drug. This is because people often vape a higher concentration of THC which, in turn, intensifies the high and can increase the "likelihood of addiction and adverse medical consequences,” Dr. Volkow said during a teleconference about the study.

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