Vapor products are a growing trend, and are referred to as e-cigarettes, e-pens, vape pens, mods or vapes. These products are battery operated devices that are used to heat a liquid solution into an aerosol, which is inhaled into the lungs. The liquid solution used in vapor products typically contains flavorings and other additives. While vapor products do not contain tobacco, they often contain nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco.
Although more research is being done on the health effects of vapor products, there are serious health and safety concerns with these products.
- Youth Use - The use of vapor products by youth is of high concern at both a local, state and national level. The brain continues to develop up to the age of 25, so adolescents can be especially vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Nicotine can also have long-lasting effects on brain development, and can effect parts of the brain responsible for attention, reasoning and behavior regulation.
- Pregnancy – Nicotine is harmful during pregnancy. It can effect fetal development, and can lead to low birth weight, preterm delivery and stillbirth.
- Aerosol – Even products that do not contain nicotine can contain harmful substances. These chemicals, along with tiny particles of heavy metals, can be inhaled deep into the lungs.
- Unintended Injuries – Fires and explosions from defective vapor product batteries have resulted in serious injuries. Many products contain high amounts of nicotine, which can be highly toxic, especially to young children. Young children are often attracted to the flavored liquids, due to their resemblance to candy and other foods.The Washington Poison Center has more information on poisonings due to vapor products.
- Secondhand Aerosol - More research is still needed on the risk of secondhand and thirdhand aerosol from vapor products, but preliminary studies show that secondhand aerosol does contain detectable levels of nicotine, as well as other chemicals and carcinogens. You can read this article for more information on secondhand aerosol.
- Marijuana and Other Substances - Some vaping devices can be used to vape marijuana and other substances, and it can be difficult to determine what substances are being "vaped".
Many traditional tobacco cessation programs can also be used to quit vapor products. Click here for more information on cessation resources.