INDUSTRY INSIGHT
YOUR HEALTH
SPONSORED CONTENT
The DANGERS OF
E-CIGARETTES for
Youth and Young Adults
TIFFANY A. BABINSACK, MPA | TOBACCO FREE ALLEGHENY
E-CIGARETTES AND YOUTH
E-cigarettes are very popular with youth, and their use is
growing dramatically. Today, more high school students use
e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes, and the use of e-cigarettes is
higher among high school students than adults.
According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, e-cigarettes
have been the most commonly used tobacco product among
youth since 2014. FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb believes
this issue to be so serious that he has declared e-cigarette usage
among teenagers “an epidemic” and states that “the disturbing
and accelerating trajectory of use we’re seeing in youth, and the
resulting path to addiction, must end.”
WHAT IS IN AN E-CIGARETTE?
E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid (usually containing
propylene glycol, glycerin, water, nicotine, and flavorings) into
an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. You may have heard
other terms used when it comes to using e-cigarettes such as
Not water.
Not safe.
“vaping” or “Juuling.” What many kids and parents don’t realize
is that this liquid is not water, and it is not safe. Not only is the
nicotine in e-cigarettes highly addictive, the e-liquid (also called
“juice”) contains harmful ingredients such as:
• ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung
disease
• heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead.
RISKS TO THE DEVELOPING BRAIN
Youth and young adults are uniquely at risk for long-term,
long-lasting effects of exposing their developing brains to
nicotine. These risks include mood disorders, lifelong addiction,
and permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also
changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts
of the brain that control attention and learning.
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT E-CIGARETTES
You have the power to influence your children’s decision about
whether to use e-cigarettes. Be clear that you don’t approve of
them smoking or using e-cigarettes, and that you expect them
to live tobacco free. 5 Here are some tips:
1. Know the facts.
2. Be patient and ready to listen.
3. Set a positive example by being tobacco free.
If you’re currently using tobacco, quitting is the best thing you
can do for your health, and the health of your family members.
For free help, call 1.800.QUIT.NOW.
ABOUT TOBACCO FREE ALLEGHENY
Tobacco Free Allegheny’s mission is to change the community
norms surrounding tobacco, making it uncommon to see, use,
or be negatively affected by tobacco or tobacco smoke pollution
(secondhand and thirdhand smoke).
Talk to your kids.
Tips available at
www.TobaccoFreeAllegheny.org/vape
For free help quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
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Learn more at www.TobaccoFreeAllegheny.org.
1 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). National Youth Tobacco Survey 2011-2015.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/surveys/nyts/index.htm
2 - Bach, L. (2018, June 19). Electronic Cigarettes and Youth. Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Retrieved from https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/assets/factsheets/0382.pdf
3 - U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2018, September 12). Statement from FDA Commissioner
Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on new steps to address epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. FDA Statement.
Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm620185.
htm
4 - U.S. Surgeon General and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on
Smoking and Health (2018). Know the Risks: E-Cigarettes & Young People. Retrieved from https://
e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html
5 - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health (2018). Talk
with Your Teen About E-Cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents. Retrieved from https://e-cigarettes.
surgeongeneral.gov/documents/SGR_ECig_ParentTipSheet_508.pdf