Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes, were originally advertised as a safer alternative to smoking. Recent research and events have begun to show that there are some major health risks and concerns associated with e-cigarettes and vaping that users and non-users should be aware of.
E-cigarettes,orvapes,arepartofabroadclassofelectronicnicotinedeliverysystems(ENDS).ENDSarebattery-powereddevicesthatheatcartridgesthatdeliveranaerosol totheusertoinhale.Theseproductscanbeusedtodelivernicotine,cannabis(THC,CBD),flavorings,chemicals,andothersubstances.Theyareknownbymanydifferentnames,brands,sizes,andshapes.Theycanberefillableorprefilled,rechargeableordisposable.Typesincludethefollowing: E-cigarettes, or vapes, products are part of a broad class of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). ENDS are battery-powered devices that heat cartridges that deliver an aerosol, or “vapor” to the user to inhale. These products can be used to deliver nicotine, cannabis (THC, CBD), flavorings, chemicals, and other substances. They are known by many different names, brands, sizes, and shapes. They can be refillable or prefilled, rechargeable or disposable. Types include the following:
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive chemical. Some e-cigarettes contain THC, which can also be addictive.
E-cigarettes may expose users to toxic chemicals.
The aerosol emitted from e-cigarettes is not clean air and may expose non-users to toxic chemicals and nicotine through secondhand aerosol.
E-cigarette use and exposure poses a risk during pregnancy. Nicotine can pass through the placenta to the fetus and can negatively affect lung, heart, and brain development.
Nicotine in its pure form is a poison. E-cigarette companies are not required to child proof their products. If ingested, e-cigarette cartridges pose a poisoning risk for children.
E-cigarettes introduce youth to nicotine addiction. Nicotine has been proven to affect adolescent brain development and can have lasting consequences.
E-cigarettes are still not fully regulated. New regulations will require review of ingredients, how they are manufactured, and their potential dangers. However, these regulations are still not in place.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine and may keep people hooked on tobacco products leading to relapse or dual use.
E-cigarettes are not an approved smoking cessation aid. There is very limited research done on e-cigarette’s impact on tobacco cessation and results have been mixed. We do know that there are safe and effective choices that have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, and inhaler.
E-cigarettes are a major concern for our efforts to prevent youth tobacco use. We know that almost 90% of all smokers begin smoking as teenagers. E-cigarettes make it easier for youth and first-time tobacco uses to try smoking. Once a person becomes addicted to nicotine, they may begin to use other tobacco products.
E-Cigarette and Vaping Product Use Associated with Lung Injury
As of February 18, 2020, a total of 2,807 hospitalized cases and deaths have been reported to the CDC from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). Of these, 68 deaths have been confirmed in 29 states and the District of Columbia. Numbers of hospitalizations and deaths have gradually declined since it reached its peak in September 2019. While the identification of vitamin E acetate as a primary cause of EVALI has been determined, the CDC still recommends caution around using these products.
Please click on the resources below to review important scientific evidence on electronic cigarettes and vaping products:
The North Carolina Quitline (1-800-Quit-Now) is a free resource to help quit tobacco, including e-cigarettes and vaping. Youth can also text VAPEFREENC to 88709to get connected to the Ex Program, a free text messaging cessation service to help quit vaping. For local support with quitting vaping in Chatham County, call our Youth Health and Tobacco Initiatives Lead at 919-542-8265.
