Vaping and E-Cigarettes Use by Teens

Vaping is never safe for young adults

In August 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a health advisory urging people to avoid e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. An outbreak of severe lung disease related to vaping has caused severe illness and death across the United States.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that e-cigarette use is NEVER safe for children, young adults, or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Despite their popularity, e-cigarettes are NOT a safe alternative to cigarette smoking. E-cigarettes and vaping devices contain harmful chemicals such as antifreeze (made from one of two chemicals: propylene glycol or ethylene glycol), diethylene glycol, and carcinogens like nitrosamines. Additionally, the nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development. This is especially true in the adolescent brain. Studies show that Nicotine exposure triggers an augmented Dopamine response in teenagers whose brains are still in the developmental stage. Secondhand smoke/vapor from e-cigarettes is harmful to growing lungs. Other potential long-term health effects are still unknown.

Nicotine Poisoning

E-cigarette solutions can be poisonous to children and even adults through swallowing or skin contact. A child can be killed by a minimal amount of nicotine: less than half a teaspoon. Fortunately, as of 2016, liquid nicotine is required to be sold in childproof packaging. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting, increased heart rate, lethargy, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Keep your kids safe

If you are an e-cigarette user, you should always keep e-cigarettes, and liquid nicotine locked up and out of the reach of children and follow the specific disposal instructions on the label.If exposure to liquid nicotine occurs, call the local poison center at 1–800–222–1222.

Thank you to a Few Words for publishing this article on Medium.