Vaping
The Partnership to End Addiction defines vaping as: the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette, vape pen, or similar device.
- E-cigarettes are devices that operate by heating a liquid solution to a high enough temperature so that it produces an aerosol that is inhaled.
- Solutions, sometimes called e-liquids, typically include nicotine, flavoring and a humectant, such as propylene glycol, to retain moisture and create an aerosol when heated. This flavoring is only FDA-approved for oral consumption, not inhaling.
- A 2018 Truth Initiative study found that among current youth and young adult JUUL users, only 37% knew that the product always contains nicotine.
- A single JUUL cartridge is roughly equal to a pack of cigarettes.
Vaping in the United States
- In 2018, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory about the youth e-cigarette “epidemic.” E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth.
- In 2019, 27.5% of high school students had used e-cigarettes in the past month, with 11.7% reporting daily use.
- Among Middle Schools, 10.5% reported e-cigarette use in 2019 up from 0.6% in 2011.
- 60% of teens believed e-cigarettes were comprised of mostly flavoring; however 98.7% contain nicotine.
Smoking, Vaping, and COVID-19
- According to a Stanford University School of Medicine Study, vaping is linked to a substantially increased risk of COVID-19 among teenagers and young adults.
- Among young people tested for COVID-19, those who vaped were five to seven times more likely to be infected than those who did not use e-cigarettes.
- Science Daily: E-cigarette users who test positive for COVID-19 are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms
- Smoking and/or vaping any substance may increase lung irritation and your risk of viral infection.
- Those with lung disease are at increased risk of worse Coronavirus infection.
- Coronavirus can be passed through saliva. Don’t share vapes, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, bongs or joints with other people.
Information provided by The Partnership to End Drug Addiction, The Truth Initiative and Stanford University School of Medicine.
For more information about Vaping and how to talk to your child, teen or young adult,
please contact Ingrid Gillespie or Maggie Young.
