What Parents and Teens Need to Know about E-Cigarettes
by Jessica Zopf CPNP
What are E-Cigarettes?
E-Cigarettes, also knowns as “vape pens”, “vaping devices” or by the brand names such as “Juul”, are electronic devices that deliver aerosolized chemicals including nicotine (often called “e-juice”) by inhalation. Teens often refer to this action as “vaping” or “juuling”. While these devices can occasionally appear like traditional cigarettes or cigars, they most often look like pens or technological devices such as USB drives. E-cigarettes are often small and discreet and the vapors do not produce any odor, so they are easy to hide and use without the knowledge of teachers, parents, or other adults. This also makes them easier to use and actually encourages more frequent use – with kids and teens often using e-cigarettes in bathrooms or stairwells or even classrooms multiple times during the school day. Though the law requires persons to be over 18 to buy e-cigarettes and e-juice, these products can often be purchased online. E-juice can be purchased in bottles or pods that come in a variety of flavors that appeal to children and teens such as mango, bubblegum, gummy bear, piña colada, chocolate, and mint.
Are e-cigarettes dangerous?
Almost all e-cigarettes, including Juul, contain nicotine. In fact, a single pod for a Juul contains double the amount of nicotine as other e-cigarettes and as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes (though tobacco experts argue this could be an underestimate). Nicotine is a very addictive and harmful chemical for the developing adolescent brain and increases their risk for other addictions later in life. Use of e-cigarettes has also been shown to increase the likelihood that adolescents will start smoking traditional cigarettes. The vapor in e-cigarettes can include chemicals such as anti-freeze, diethylene glycol, and carcinogens like propylene oxide, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, and crotonaldehyde. The fruit flavored e-juices are more likely to contain some of these compounds, which is especially dangerous for teens. Additionally, the concentrated nicotine in the e-juices can be very dangerous and potentially fatal for young children should they ingest or even touch the liquid. Children under the age of 5 are especially at risk for nicotine poisoning if they are exposed to even as little as half a teaspoon of the concentrated nicotine. Be sure to keep all e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine products locked and out of the reach of children.
So, what can parents do?
First, do not use e-cigarettes products yourself. Teens model the behaviors of those around them and exposure to the secondhand vapors is dangerous. Furthermore, studies have shown that use of e-cigarettes does not help individuals quit smoking traditional cigarettes. It is much safer to have a conversation with your doctor about developing a plan to quit all tobacco products. Be sure to continue to have open and honest communication with your teens about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Many teens are unaware of the dangers of e-cigarettes and the highly addictive nature of the concentrated nicotine found in these devices. As always, the providers here at Pediatrics West are available for consultation on how to talk to teens about vaping and how to help with quitting tobacco products. For more information, please visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/features/ecigarettes-young-people/) or the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) parenting website (https://www.healthychildren.org). Please also view the American Academy of Pediatrics policy on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems at https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/Richmond-Center/Pages/Electronic-Nicotine-Delivery-Systems.aspx
