The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars annually marketing their highly addictive products – including e-cigarettes, which many people mistakenly consider to be “safe.” The surgeon general has concluded that e-cigarette aerosol is not safe. The fact is, a single vape pod can contain as much – or more – nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.

 

“Because of their developing lungs and brains, children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of smoking,” says Robin Philips, RN, M.S.N., B.S.N., P.H.N., oncology nurse navigator, “And now, we’re seeing a huge increase in e-cigarette use among teens. Nicotine pods come in enticing flavors, like crème and fruit. Plus, the e-cigarettes themselves are easy to hide; some look like USB flash drives, lipsticks or pens. Discuss the effects of vaping with your children. Listen, ask questions, and keep the lines of communication open.”

 

While e-cigarettes contain fewer than the 200 known carcinogens inhaled by cigarette smokers, they still contain a number of potentially toxic fumes, such as formaldehyde.

 

“This is a relatively new product and research takes many years. People need to be aware that we don’t yet understand all the carcinogenic or cardiovascular risks of the chemicals contained in these pods,” says Jack Jacoub, M.D., medical director of the MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center. “We do, however, know that nicotine causes anxiety, insomnia, and heart rate issues. In teens, it can even affect thinking and personality.”

 

For information on vaping, prevention and cessation programs, visit lung.org, call 800-LUNGUSA (586-4872), or talk to your child’s healthcare provider.