Cigarette and e-cigarette use are unsafe for kids, teens and young adults. They can lead to nicotine addiction, which has been linked to a number of health issues. This guide provides facts to help parents and educators talk with youth about the dangers of smoking and vaping.
E-cigarettes, also known as vaporizers, e-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to produce an aerosol that the user inhales. They are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some look like regular cigarettes, cigars or pipes; others resemble USB flash drives, pens, or other everyday items. They may contain nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals that can be harmful to people’s health.
Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical, is the primary ingredient in most cigarette and e-cigarette products. It has been shown to have serious, sometimes life-threatening health effects, including heart disease and cancer. It is particularly dangerous for teens, kids and the developing brains of fetuses. It can cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in those who already have a substance use disorder. It can also harm the immune system, increase blood pressure and heart rate, and lead to eye diseases and bronchitis.
The vapor from e-cigarettes contains toxic chemicals that can damage the body, especially the lungs. They can include diacetyl, a chemical linked to a severe lung disease; acrolein, a chemical that can cause lung injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and carcinogens. In addition, some types of e-cigarettes can expose users to even more nicotine than traditional tobacco products.
Many of these products are not labeled, so it’s important to know what you’re buying before using them. Read the labels and warnings carefully, and don’t be fooled by “natural,” “healthy,” or “organic” claims.
E-cigarettes and vaporizers are not approved by the FDA to treat illness or disease, so they don’t have the same safety and efficacy as prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This is one reason why it’s important to talk with your doctor about ways to quit smoking and other methods of tobacco or vapor use reduction. Other than doctor, you can get direction to cloud 9 vape stores grayson ga for professional advise too.
The best way to protect youth is to set a good example by not smoking or vaping and being clear that you do not approve of their use. It is also important to talk regularly about the risks of e-cigarettes and other tobacco or vapor products, and establish and enforce tobacco-free zones at home, school, and work. Check out CDC’s Parent Tip Sheet for tips on talking to youth about the risks of vaping. This guide is part of a series produced by the Office of the Surgeon General to provide facts to support public health efforts to prevent smoking and vaping among kids, teens, and young adults.