E-cigarettes and young people: a public health concern
E-cigarettes, devices that typically deliver nicotine, flavorings and other additives to users through an inhaled aerosol, are a rapidly emerging trend especially popular among youth and young adults. These devices are referred to by a variety of names, including “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes” and “tank systems.” E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver other drugs besides nicotine, such as marijuana. The use of these nicotine-delivery systems is commonly known as vaping
E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used form of tobacco by youth in the U.S. And dual use, or using both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes, is common among youth and young adults 18-25 years of age. Reasons reported by young people for using e-cigarettes include curiosity, taste and the belief that e-cigarettes are less harmful than other tobacco products.
Flavored e-cigarettes are very popular, especially with young adults. More than nine of every 10 young adult e-cigarette users said they use e-cigarettes flavored to taste like menthol, alcohol, candy, fruit, chocolate, or other sweets. More than eight of every 10 youth ages 12-17 who use e-cigarettes said they use flavored e-cigarettes.
What is in vaping and e-cigarette aerosol (juice)?
- Nicotine
- Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead
Vaping and e-cigarettes are still fairly new, and scientists are still learning about their long-term health effects. Here is what we know now:
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which has known health effects.
