In 2016, more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is inhaling and exhaling a vapor produced by an electronic cigarette or similar device. Vape pens have a container of liquid that is a mixture of flavoring, nicotine and other chemicals. The liquid solution is heated into a water vapor/mist that the user then breathes in.

Vape products can also be called:

• E-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs, e-cigars
• JUULs (pronounced “jewels”)
• Personal vaporizers/vape pens

Vape products can look like:

• Traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes
• Common items such as flash drives and pens

 The Facts of Vaping

• Vaping is not harmless.
• Vaping aerosol is not just “water vapor.”
• Vaping products are the most commonly used tobacco products among teens.
• Nicotine is very addictive and can harm the brain, especially in children and teens.
• The other chemicals in vape products can be dangerous.

For more information, ask your doctor about the dangerous effects of vaping and how to quit.

Dangers of Vaping

Vape liquids can come in many sweet and fruity flavors making them popular among teens and young adults. The liquid in vape products can also contain harmful substances like anti-freeze, heavy metals and cancer-causing agents.

• 1 in 4 high school students in the U.S. reported using vape products
• Teens who use vape are more likely to use cigarettes or other tobacco products
• Chemicals in vape liquid may lead to lung disease and cancer
• Vape products have exploded causing serious injuries, burns, and fires

Many vape products contain nicotine which can be harmful. The nicotine in vape products is highly addictive. It can harm the brain and affect attention and learning.

For More Information Visit

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

The information here is not intended to be nor should be used as a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment by a health care professional. This publication is for information purposes only and the reader assumes all associated risks.

Content experts: Neha Manikonda, M.D., Nicole Neveln, M.D., and Jasmine Reese, M.D., M.P.H.

Resources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration