Tobacco use among kids is just about as common as underage drinking. Young people are consuming tobacco in many ways. But whether kids smoke, vape, or chew doesn't matter. Nearly all tobacco products contain highly addictive nicotine, along with a mix of other nasty, cancer-causing chemicals. As a parent, you should know: 90% of daily tobacco users begin by age 18. Beyond the increased risk of cancer, using tobacco can lead to heart disease, lung disease, stroke, diabetes, and more.
In 2023, 967 Adolescents under 18 have tried or currently use vaping products. Vaping is a USB-like device that has candy or fruit-flavored aerosol liquid with nicotine (highly addictive).
Nicotine in adolescents has had negative effects:
-Seizures
-Harms the part of the brain that controls attention, learning, mood, and impulse control
- Adolescents who vape are 4 times more likely to smoke cigarettes
E-cigarette aerosol can contain substances that can be harmful or potentially harmful to the body.
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that can harm adolescent brain development
Cancer-causing chemicals
Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead
Tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
Volatile organic compounds
Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease. Some flavorings used in e-cigarettes may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the lungs process substances differently than the gut.
Pregnancy
The use of any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, is not safe during pregnancy. Scientists are still learning about the health effects of vaping on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.
Most e-cigarettes, or vapes, contain nicotine—the addictive substance in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. Nicotine is a health danger for pregnant women and is toxic to developing fetuses. Nicotine can damage a fetus's developing brain and lungs. E-cigarette use during pregnancy has been associated with low birth weight and pre-term birth
Long Term effects:
Lung-
-Emphseyma
-Higher airway resistance
-airway obstruction
-airway inflammation
Heart-
-increased heart rate
-increased blood pressure
-aortic valve stiffening
Second-Hand Smoke exposure
Secondhand vaping refers to the inhalation of air-containing particles and chemicals emitted from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping devices used by others.
Health Risks:
While secondhand vaping is generally considered less harmful than secondhand smoking, it still poses health risks, including exposure to harmful chemicals:
E-cigarette vapor contains a variety of chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and lead, which have been linked to cancer, heart disease, and other health problems.
Nicotine addiction:
Children and young adults exposed to secondhand vaping may be more likely to start using e-cigarettes themselves.
Respiratory irritation:
E-cigarette vapor contains ultrafine particles, nicotine, and other chemicals that can irritate the airways and cause coughing, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
Increased risk of asthma attacks:
For people with asthma, secondhand vaping can trigger asthma attacks.
Vulnerable Groups:
Children, pregnant women, and people with asthma are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of secondhand vaping.
Prevention:
To avoid secondhand vaping exposure:
Ask vapers to vape outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters are used to remove particles from the air.
Educate yourself and others about the dangers of secondhand vaping.
