E-Cigarettes and Vaping Pose a Serious Health Risk for Youth
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the use of electronic cigarettes (known as e-cigarettes) has reached an epidemic level and action must be taken to protect children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction and associated health risks. The recent surge in e-cigarette use among youth, fueled by new types of products on the market, poses a serious health threat to young people across the nation.
Using an e-cigarette is commonly called vaping, and works by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. E-cigarette products are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
The liquid used in e-cigarette products can contain nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, as well as other substances, flavorings and additives. Since 2009, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has regulated cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and roll-your-own tobacco products. However, it currently does not oversee the manufacturing of e-cigarettes or their potentially harmful ingredients.
Here are the facts from the American Lung Association:
E-cigarettes almost always contain harmful ingredients, including nicotine.
Acrolein, a known ingredient of many e-cigarettes, causes irreversible lung damage.
Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain.
The most popular e-cigarette among teens is JUUL. All JUUL pods contain some nicotine, which many do not realize.
According to the manufacturer, one JUUL pod may contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.
No e-cigarette has been found to be safe and effective by FDA in helping smokers quit.
E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco products among youth, and many do not realize they are harming their lungs and their brains by using them. The American Lung Association reports the most common reasons youth use e-cigarettes are because a friend or family member use them (39%); they are available in flavors such as mint, candy, fruit or chocolate (31%); and they believe they are less harmful than other forms of tobacco such as cigarettes (17%).
Notably, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) first-ever report on e-cigarette products paints a disturbing picture of surging e-cigarette sales and advertising that are potentially harmful to youth. Based on industry data for the years 2015 to 2018, the report shows that total e-cigarette sales increased more than six-fold from $304.2 million to $2.06 billion in those three years alone.
In addition, the sales of fruit and other flavored e-cigarette cartridges preferred by youth increased seven-fold over that time, as well as nicotine concentrations in disposable e-cigarette products. The FTC report concludes that the dramatic increase in flavored products may be directly linked to increased use of e-cigarette products.
The American Lung Association – along with parents, educators and other concerned parties – are urging the FDA to take meaningful action to crack down against products that target youth and review what is currently available on the market. They are also working to implement policies that will reduce the availability of e-cigarettes to youth, such as raising the minimum age of sale to 21 and increasing the price of the products.
Currently, there is strong evidence that the inhalation of harmful chemicals found in e-cigarettes can cause irreversible lung injury. In January 2018, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine released a consensus study revealing that e-cigarettes both contain and emit a number of potentially toxic substances. For example, the two primary ingredients found in e-cigarettes (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin) are toxic to cells, and the higher the concentration, the greater the toxicity.
In addition, e-cigarettes produce dangerous chemicals such as acetaldehyde, acrolein (which is a common weed-killer) and formaldehyde that can cause lung and cardiovascular disease. When an e-cigarette user exhales the chemical cocktail created by the product, the secondhand emissions can be toxic to others.
Everyone has an important role to play in addressing this public health epidemic and protecting young people from the risks of e-cigarettes. The CDC provides this important information for parents on how to know the risks, take action and protect their children.
Learn about the different shapes and types of e-cigarettes and the risks of all forms of e-cigarette use for young people at Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes & Youth.
Set a good example by being tobacco-free. If you use tobacco products, it is never too late to quit. Talk to a healthcare professional about quitting all forms of tobacco product use. For free help, visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Adopt tobacco-free rules, including e-cigarettes, in your home and vehicle.
Get the Surgeon General’s tip sheet for parents, Talk With Your Teen About E-cigarettes. Start the conversation early with children about why e-cigarettes, including JUUL, are harmful for them.
Encourage your child to learn the facts and get tips for quitting tobacco products at Teen.smokefree.gov.
Above all, it is important to let your child know that you want them to stay away from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, because they are not safe for them. It also may be helpful to schedule an appointment with the pediatrician so your child can hear about the risks of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, from a trusted healthcare professional.
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