E-Cigarettes

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E-cigarettes entered the U.S. Market place around 2007. Since 2014, they have been the most commonly used tobacco product among youth. In 2018, e-cigarette use (referred to as ‘vaping’ or ‘JUULing’) reached epidemic levels. 

What are e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are tobacco products. Some resemble regular cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and some have a modern, sleek design and look like writing pens or USB drives. The products are commonly known as ENDS – electronic nicotine delivery system(s).

Other common names:

• Mods
• Hookah pens
• Vape sticks
• Personal vaporizers (PV)
• Tank systems
• Smoke Juice

How do e-cigarettes work?

Most e-cigarettes have a battery, a heating element, and place to hold a liquid (such as a cartridge or pod). As the user draws on the device, the battery heats the e-liquid to produce aerosol not a water vapor. The aerosol is then inhaled into the lungs. Whether it’s an e-cigarette, vape pen, or e-hookah, using an electronic cigarette is called “vaping.” 

Associated Dangers

• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is very addictive and can harm adolescent brain development. The brain continues developing into the early to mid-20s. Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. It can also be a gateway to using other substances. 
• Some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to breathe. This is because the gut can process more substances than the lungs.
• A common ingredient in e-cigarette flavoring is diacetyl. Diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans, known as "popcorn lung". It is a scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs. This causes thickening and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to wheezing, and shortness of breath, and is a serious health concern.
• Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions. Some explosions have resulted in serious injuries and death. 
• Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes.
• Youth and young adults have reported seizures after vaping. Seizures or convulsions are potential side effects of nicotine poisoning.

National Data: In 2018, 20.8% of U.S. high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. This is a 9.1% increase compared to 2017. From 2017-2018, the amount of U.S. middle school students who used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days increased from 3.3% to 4.9%.

Texas Data: According to the 2018 Texas Youth Tobacco Survey, 13% of youth used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. This means that 18.9% of high school students and 6.0% of middle school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days.  

Visit our Vaping Website for more information about vaping.