A 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:
- Disposables like HYDE and Puff Bar.
- Pod Systems like JUUL, Vuse, and Blu.
- Refillables like Sourin and SMOK.
- Mods and Tanks
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.
Unfortunately, there has been a confirmed death of a one year old toddler in New York State from consuming liquid nicotine. NEVER leave “e-juice” in the reach of any child as they can mistake it as candy or a fruity drink because of the smell of the “e-juice”.
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
Allegany County E-cigarette Handout 11×17
Allegany County E-cigarette Handout Insert 8×11
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 What Parents Should Know About E-cigarettes
American Lung Association What Schools Should Know About E-cigarettes
American Lung Association What Teens Should Know About E-cigarettes
CDC’s Basic Information on Electronic Cigarette
drugwatch: JUUL and E-cigarettes
New York State Department of Health
Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip for Parents