What You Need to Know About Vaping

Some of the most common substances found in vapes are marijuana and flavored liquid nicotine. Studies have shown that using vapes, no matter the substance, can lead to breathing problems and significantly harm the lungs.

Vaping Facts for Families

What is vaping and how does it work in the body?

E-cigarettes, commonly referred to as vapes, heat a liquid within the device creating an aerosol mix of toxic chemicals once inhaled, including formaldehyde, diacetyl, and propylene glycol. Many chemicals found in vapes are known to cause cancer.

Vaping Nicotine

Most e-cigarette liquids contain high levels of nicotine, which can lead to higher rates of addiction, especially for teens and young adults.

Vaping devices are also easily accessible among youth despite the legal age to buy any tobacco products, including vapes, is 21.

Studies show that vaping can harm teen brain development and long-term mental health, lead to addiction, and damage the lungs.

Vaping Marijuana

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent and made by extracting THC – the chemical that produces the high feeling – from the cannabis plant. Similar chemicals found in liquid nicotine are found in concentrates. There is also little or no odor associated with vaping concentrates.

Youth often mistakenly believe vaping concentrates is safer than smoking a joint. However, studies have shown that concentrates include chemicals that are linked to long-term lung damage and mental health problems.

Mental and Physical Effects of Vaping

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Psychosis
  • Pneumonia
  • Shortness of breath
  • Lung scarring
  • Chronic coughing
Download the PDF

“Just like regular cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, most vaping devices contain nicotine.
No matter what product it comes in, nicotine is a highly addictive drug and a serious risk.”

My Life My Quit: Free and confidential way to quit vaping or smoking. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 to get started.

What can you do?

Talk to your child about the real costs of vaping. Start talking to your kids early and often. Make sure that they know e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can have lasting effects on their brain and behavior. If you would like to learn what research has to say about the risks of vaping, as well as get tips on how to talk to your child about vaping, What you need to Know and How to Talk With Your Kids About Vaping is a great resource!

Be the positive influence. Parents are the leading influence on their kids’ decision to not vape or use drugs. Set a positive example by being vape and tobacco-free. If you do vape, keep your equipment and supplies secured.

 

 

Get the facts on vaping. Vaping nicotine or Marijuana can harm the developing brain. Due to the fact that the brain is undergoing massive changes during adolescence through the mid- 20’s, nicotine use may rewire the brain, making it easier to get hooked on other substances and contribute to problems with concentration, learning and impulse control.  It is also important to be familiar with the different types of vape devices being used, as well as what is being vaped. Not only are young people vaping nicotine, but the vaping of THC concentrates is a trend that is rising very quickly. For more information, checkout: The Fact Sheet

 

 

Sources: NIDA, CDC, SAMHSA