E-Cigarettes and Youth

The electronic device, also called an e-cigarette or vaporizer, heats a liquid to create a vapor that the user inhales. The vapor contains nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to the lungs, heart, brain and other organs. The e-cigarette device is powered by a battery and has a reservoir or tank that holds the e-liquid, which is called a “pod.” Some devices have a sleek, high-tech design and are disposable or use easily rechargeable batteries. Others are refillable and can be used for longer periods of time. The devices may be made to look like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pens or USB flash drives. Many e-cigarettes have different flavours that attract current and new users, including fruit, candy, menthol and cola-flavoured devices.

A disproportionately large number of youth are using e-cigarettes, and the majority of those users are under age 21. This rapid growth has prompted the FDA to take several actions, from policy making and enforcement to education, to keep these devices out of the hands of youth.

Researchers are working hard to gather more information about e-cigarettes and how they are used. They are finding that e-cigarettes usually contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm the lungs. E-cigarettes can cause lung damage that includes the formation of scar tissue, which can clog your lungs, and it can make it harder to breathe. They can also hurt your heart and increase your blood pressure. Nicotine and other chemicals in e-liquid can cause other health problems, such as brain development issues and addiction. They can also lead to a condition called bronchiolitis obliterans, or popcorn lung, which is caused by permanent scarring of the lungs due to nicotine and other chemical exposure.

One of the biggest factors contributing to the rise in e-cigarette use among youth is the popularity of the JUUL brand, which has a sleek, high-tech design and a prefilled pod system for nicotine salt e-liquids. JUUL has a 49% share of the reusable pod market, and its popularity has inspired “copycat” products such as the Suorin Drop, myblu and Vuse Alto, which have similar designs and use nicotine salts.

A recent study found that e-cigarettes are especially dangerous for youth and young adults, and even those who stop using them can have lasting health effects. The research shows that the nicotine in e-cigarettes can harm their developing lungs and cause addiction, which can last into their early 20s. It can also interfere with the normal development of brain circuits that control attention and learning. If you are a young person who wants to quit smoking or vaping, there are many proven quit aids available, including the nicotine patch. And if you know someone who smokes or vapes, support them as they try to quit by making their home and car smoke-free and by helping them find tobacco- and nicotine-free alternatives. If you are a parent, encourage your child to seek support from their healthcare provider. 電子煙