Electronic cigarettes (a.k.a. “e-cigarettes,” “vapes,” “e-hookahs,” “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS),” “mods” among other names) are used for taking in nicotine via an inhaled aerosol.

Because they don’t contain tobacco and are “vaped” and not technically “smoked,” there is the belief that these devices are harmless. They aren’t. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can cause addiction in adults, adolescents and children. During adolescence, nicotine exposure can impact learning, memory and attention, as well as increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs.

The fluids used for vaping also contain heavy metals and other chemicals, such as propylene glycol (car antifreeze agent), acetone (nail polish remover), acrolein (weed killer agent), formaldehyde (embalming agent), and ethylbenzene (pesticide and paint thinner). These are breathed into the lungs, and bystanders can breathe these in when the user exhales into the air.

The Appeal

Vaping is very popular with young people. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes, and the numbers are growing rapidly. Vaping is appealing to young people because the vape fluids contain flavors such as fruit, mint and mango. (These flavorings have not been tested for lung toxicity in the vaporized form.) They also look like USB flash drives, pens, and other common household devices, making them easy to conceal from parents, teachers, and other adults.

Help for Parents

As parents, talking to your teens about anything is tough enough. Talking about the dangers of vaping is even tougher. Still, even if they don’t want to talk about it, you can influence their decision about whether to use e-cigarettes. Even if you have used tobacco yourself, your children will listen if you discuss your struggles with nicotine addiction. Be clear that you don’t approve of them smoking or using e-cigarettes, and that you expect them to live tobacco-free. Also:

• Don’t let anyone use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products around young people. Not only are they watching the behaviors of others as an example, but they’re also at risk of exposure to nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to their health.
• Avoid restaurants and other locations that allow use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
• Check with your school administration to ensure your child’s school, college, or university is completely tobacco-free, including being free of e-cigarettes.
• Make your home and vehicles tobacco-free by prohibiting use of all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, by family members, friends, and guests. This is an important step to fully protect your children from exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke or secondhand aerosol from e-cigarettes.
• Be an example to youth by living tobacco-free. Even if you’re quitting tobacco, share the reasons why you want to be tobacco-free and ask for support in your journey.

Additional Resources

• Parent Tip Sheet
• The facts about e-cigarettes and youth
• Take Action
• Vaping Fact Sheet
• The Risks of Vaping
• Quit Vaping
• Smoking and Tobacco Use