PPAC CentralA device that creates an aerosol, NOT water vapor from a solution usually referred to as “e-juice” that can contain nicotine and other additives. There are many types of these Electronic-Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes) which include:
- Cig-a-like – looked like a cigarette, tip lit up when in use.
- Vape Pen, E-hookah – first refillable device, cartridge screwed onto heating element and battery.
- Mods and Tanks – refillable and customizable wattage heating the liquid at different temperatures for larger hit and bigger clouds.
- Refillable Pods Systems -come in different shapes making them look like other things. (Sourin, Smok).
- Pod Mods – pods come in different flavors and nicotine strengths. (JUUL, Blu, Vuse, NJOY).
- Disposables – one time use, nonrefillable, come in many youth enticing flavors. Became popular when the federal ban on flavored pods except tobacco and menthol passed. (Hyde, Elf Bar, Lost Mary).
- Smart Disposables – have a screen that can show simple designs or include games, can connect to phone to answer phone calls and play music. (Geek Bar, Raz, Off Stamp). Screens and games on e-cigarettes can make them more addictive.
As e-cigarettes have evolved they offer more puffs and higher concentrations of nicotine, but are cheaper in price.
Flavor Ban in New York State
Due to the high rates of minors using e-cigarettes and being exposed to high levels of nicotine, in 2020 all flavored e-cigarettes were made illegal to sell in New York State except tobacco flavored and menthol flavored NJOY and JUUL products. If a tobacco retailer is selling flavored e-cigarettes other than Vuse, Blu, NJOY or JUUL contact your county health department’s Environmental Health division to make a complaint.
Allegany County’s Environmental Health
Health
Studies have found that “e-juice” can contain many different chemicals some which can be dangerous to the human body. These include:
- Propylene Glycol
- Diacetyl
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Formaldehyde
- Heavy Metals: lead, nickel, and tin
- Nicotine
- Nitrosamines = Carcinogens
Consuming “e-juice” can cause serious bodily harm and maybe death. One tablespoon of liquid nicotine and kill an adult, one teaspoon can kill a child.
The potential long-term benefits and risks associated with e-cigarette use are not currently known. A 2015 study found that many “e-juice” flavors contain the flavoring agent Diacetyl. Diacetyl is a chemical that was found to be a prominent volatile constituent in butter flavoring. Diacetyl was found in a 2004 study to contribute to Bronchiolitis Obliterans aka “Popcorn Lung.” “Popcorn Lung” is an irreversible condition that causes the tiny air sacs of the lungs to become scarred. This scarring causes shortness of breath and coughing much like the tobacco caused Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder(COPD).
Cessation
The North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) only recommends approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cessation medications to smokers as part of the quit attempt. ENDS unlike other nicotine replacement therapy products simulate the habit of smoking traditional tobacco products, which may make it harder for people to quit. Until the long-term health effects are known about ENDS, it is not recommended safe to replace traditional tobacco products with ENDS. The only safe alternative to traditional tobacco product use is to quit.
Resources
Addiction Policy Forum Vaping Know the Facts
American Academy of Pediatrics JUUL Factsheet
American Lung Association E-cigarette Resources
American Lung Association Impact of E-cigarettes on the Lungs
American Lung Association Vaping Conversation Guide
DropTheVape Free Texting Service
DropTheVape Promotional Resources
drugwatch: JUUL and E-cigarettes
New York State Department of Health
Stanford Medicines E-cigarette Resources
Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip for Parents
