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What is vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol. The liquid typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Vaping is also a popular method for consuming THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. 

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Nicotine is highly addictive.

E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes aerosol can contain potentially harmful substances, including:

  • Nicotine

  • Ultrafine particles

  • Flavorings like diacetyl

  • Volatile organic compounds

  • Cancer-causing chemicals

  • Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead


Determining the exact contents of e-cigarette products is challenging for consumers. For instance, some e-cigarettes advertised as nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine levels. While the overall concentration of these harmful chemicals is lower than in traditional cigarette smoke, their potential health impact remains a concern.
 

Health Effects of Vaping

E-cigarettes, while marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, are not without their own set of health risks. While research on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes is still ongoing, the potential dangers they pose are becoming increasingly evident.

 

Nicotine, a primary ingredient in most e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and can have detrimental effects on the developing brain. It can impair cognitive function, memory, and attention, particularly in adolescents and young adults whose brains are still maturing. Moreover, nicotine can harm fetal development, increasing the risk of birth defects and premature birth.

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Beyond nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol contains a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals, including cancer-causing substances and ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. 

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E-cigarettes also pose a risk of acute injuries. Defective batteries have been linked to fires and explosions, some of which have resulted in severe burns and injuries. Additionally, accidental exposure to e-cigarette liquid, either through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, can lead to nicotine poisoning, particularly in young children.

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Given the growing body of evidence pointing to the potential health risks of e-cigarettes, it’s important to exercise caution with use. Individuals should be aware of the potential dangers, particularly those who are pregnant, have existing health conditions, or are using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

Vaping vs Smoking

Vaping is not a safe alternative to smoking.


While e-cigarettes may produce fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, they still contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine can harm the developing brain, and it can also lead to nicotine addiction. E-cigarettes also contain other harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals and ultrafine particles. Heavy metals can damage the lungs and heart, and ultrafine particles can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, where they can cause inflammation and other health problems.


Vaping can irritate the airways and cause inflammation in the lungs. This can lead to a number of respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Vaping can also damage the heart and blood vessels. This can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

How does vaping impact youth & teens?

Vaping is especially harmful to youth and teens. Nicotine is highly addictive, and vaping can lead to nicotine addiction in young people. Nicotine addiction can have a number of negative consequences, including:

 

  • Impaired brain development

  • Increased risk of mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety

  • Increased risk of substance misuse

  • Increased risk to physical health such as lung, mouth or throat damage and poisoning 

  • Increased risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer


The developing brains of youth and teens are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine. Nicotine can interfere with brain development, which can lead to learning and memory problems, attention problems, and impulse control problems. Nicotine use during adolescence can also increase the risk of cigarette use as adults, and addiction to other drugs later in life.

Talking to Your Kids About Vaping

​Vaping has become a popular trend among teenagers and young adults. While it may seem harmless, vaping can be addictive and dangerous. If you're concerned that your child may be vaping, here are some tips on how to talk to them about it.

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Before You Talk

  • Know the facts about vaping. Educate yourself about the risks of vaping so that you can answer your child's questions accurately.

  • Put yourself in your child's shoes. Try to understand why your child might be vaping. Are they feeling pressured by their friends? Are they trying to cope with stress?

  • Take an open and calm approach. Don't come at your child with anger or accusations. Instead, choose a time when you can both talk calmly and rationally.

  • Find the right time and place. Don't try to have this conversation in a public place or when your child is distracted. Find a quiet time when you can be alone.

  • Take time to practice what you want to say. It can be helpful to practice what you want to say before you talk to your child. This will help you stay calm and focused during the conversation.

 

While You Talk

  • Acknowledge your child's independence. Let your child know that you respect their independence, but that you're also concerned about their health.

  • Ask for their perspective. Ask your child why they started vaping and what they think about the risks.

  • Be ready to hear that your child may have vaped. If your child does admit to vaping, don't freak out. Instead, try to understand why they did it and work together to make a plan to stop.

  • Blame Big Tobacco, not your child. It's important to remember that Big Tobacco is responsible for marketing vaping products to young people. Don't blame your child for making a mistake.

  • Avoid scare tactics. Scare tactics don't work and can actually make your child more likely to vape.

  • Connect with what they care about. Help your child understand how vaping can negatively impact the things they care about, such as their health, their sports performance, or their future goals.

After You Talk

  • Say thank you. Thank your child for talking to you and for being honest with you.

  • Help your child manage stress. If stress is a factor in your child's vaping, help them find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a therapist.

  • Help your child manage peer pressure. If your child is vaping because of peer pressure, help them develop strategies for resisting peer pressure.

  • Follow up. Don't just have one conversation about vaping and then move on. Check in with your child regularly to see how they're doing.

  • Stay up to date. Keep yourself updated on the latest information about vaping so that you can continue to have informed conversations with your child.

  • Share this information with others. Share this information with other parents and caregivers so that they can have similar conversations with their children.

 

Additional Tips

  • Be a good role model. If you don't want your child to vape, don't vape yourself.

  • Make your home vape-free. Create a rule that vaping is not allowed in your home.

  • Talk to your child's doctor. Your child's doctor can provide you with more information about the risks of vaping and can help you develop a plan to help your child quit if they are vaping.

 

Talking to your child about vaping can be a difficult conversation, but it's an important one to have. By following these tips, you can help your child understand the risks of vaping and make healthy choices about their future.

Quitting / Reducing Consumption

The American Heart Association recommends proven methods to quit vaping, such as nicotine replacement therapy and counseling.

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Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help people quit vaping by providing them with a small dose of nicotine in a form that is less harmful than vaping. NRT products are available in a variety of forms, including patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers.

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Counseling can also help people quit vaping. Counselors can provide support and encouragement, and they can also help people develop strategies to deal with cravings and triggers.

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If you are considering quitting vaping, talk to your doctor about the best options for you. You can also take steps at home to quit by making a plan and setting a quit date.

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FREE nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): Residents and employees in Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties are eligible for four weeks of FREE patches.

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