There are no safe tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, also known as vapes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid and produce an aerosol. An aerosol is a mix of small particles released in the air. Some people refer to the aerosol from an e-cigarette as “vapor.”

A person using an e-cigarette inhales this aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in the aerosol when the person using the e-cigarette breathes the aerosol out. This is known as secondhand aerosol exposure. 

E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor.” It can contain harmful substances, including:

Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development

Cancer-causing chemicals

Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

Tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs

Volatile organic compounds

Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease. Some flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the lungs process substances differently than the gut.

Some e-cigarettes can also be used to deliver cannabis and other drugs.

E-cigarettes often come in bright colors. They are also available in flavors that appeal to young people, like fruit, candy, menthol, and mint.

There are many types of e-cigarettes, including disposable devices, refillable devices, and devices with pre-filled cartridges or pods:

Disposable e-cigarettes come pre-filled and may be rechargeable. They are not designed to be refilled.

Refillable e-cigarettes are rechargeable and have a tank or chamber that is filled with e-liquid. Some refillable devices can be modified to change the amount of aerosol produced or the strength of the delivered substance.

E-cigarettes with a pre-filled cartridge or pod are rechargeable and intended for reuse.

Some e-cigarettes look like USB flash drives, pens, smartphones, highlighters, toys, and other types of products.

Signs that your child may be using an e-cigarette or a vape:

New health issues such as coughing or wheezing

E-cigarette supplies, like cartridges or other suspicious looking items

New smells: many vapes have fruity, minty, or even candy flavors that may leave behind a scent

If you believe that your child may be vaping, they will need your support to quit! The following tips may help to start and continue the conversation about their nicotine use:

Asking them in a non-judgemental way if they vape or have ever tried a vape.

Ask them why they started or tried this product.

Listen to them as they explain.

Explain the physical and mental health effects and the addiction that is caused by using any tobacco product.

Show them how much money they can save as they get older by avoiding or quitting vaping. (https://med.stanford.edu/halpern-felsher-reach-lab/resources/cost-calculators.html#cost_of_vaping_calculator)

Encourage them to quit and connect them to resources that can help them on their quit journey.

For more information about e-cigarettes visit

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/index.html

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/e-cigarettes.html