E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.
E-cigarettes are sometimes called:
E-cigs
Vapes
E-hookahs
Vape pens
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)
Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens and other everyday items.
E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings and other chemicals that help to make the aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs.
In the United States, youth are more likely than adults to use e-cigarettes; usage may begin as early as middle school.
Harm from e-cigarettes
No matter how it’s delivered, nicotine harms youth and young adults. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine as well as other chemicals that are known to damage health. Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain other potentially dangerous ingredients, including:
Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
Flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
Volatile organic compounds
Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead
Quick facts about vaping
Most vapes contain nicotine. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain – which continues to develop until about age 25. Even vapes that are marketed as nicotine-free may still contain nicotine.
Vaping is extremely addictive. Nicotine can rewire your brain, making you crave more of it. Even if you vape only once in a while, you can become addicted and have difficulty quitting.
Vaping leads to smoking cigarettes. Young people who vape are likelier to start smoking cigarettes than those who don’t vape.
Vaping can damage your lungs. Vaping exposes your lungs to toxic particles and other chemicals that cause cancer.
Vape aerosol contains harmful chemicals. Vapes don’t just produce “water vapor.” The aerosol you inhale when vaping can contain some of the same toxic metals and harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, like lead, nickel and formaldehyde.
Vapes cause harm to the environment too. When you throw away your vape it can leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Tips to deal with stress without vaping
Many people will reach for their e-cigarette device and vape to handle stress, but it’s not a healthy way to deal with your feelings. Try these tips to handle stress instead:
Stop and breathe. Pause whatever you’re doing to focus on breathing deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Move your body. Getting active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Try yoga, taking a walk or hitting the gym.
Reach out to loved ones. Get support from people who make you feel good about yourself and want to help you stay vape-free.
Care for yourself. Help your body keep your stress level down by eating well, drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep.
Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute
