Photo of various vaping products.

Teen Vaping: What Parents Need to Know About the Health Risks

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Thanks to aggressive anti-smoking public health campaigns, the number of teens who smoke regular cigarettes has fallen to less than 1% over the past 20 years. While this is great news, it doesn’t account for the fact that nicotine use in teens is on the rise again, they simply use it in a different form.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.gov) reports that the most popular form of tobacco use among today’s youth are electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vapes.

As of 2019, nearly 1 in 3 high school students use vapes, prompting the surgeon general to declare youth vaping an epidemic.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol vapor that results from heating a nicotine liquid (also called e-liquid or “juice”) in an e-cigarette, vape pen, or other vaping device. Vaping is also sometimes called “Juuling” in reference to the popular Juul brand. Many adolescents are led to believe that this aerosol is harmless water vapor, however, it has been found to be every bit as addictive and dangerous as regular cigarettes.

The inhaled vapor usually contains several harmful chemicals:

  • Nicotine: A highly addictive chemical that affects brain development.
  • Propylene glycol: A food additive also used in antifreeze and fog machines.
  • Flavorings: Sweet or fruity flavors that mask harsh tastes and attract young users.
  • Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen.
  • Benzene: A toxic volatile organic compound.
  • Heavy metals: Such as nickel, tin, and lead.

The vaping devices used to ingest this harmful vapor are available in disposable cartridges, like the popular Juul brand, or reusable versions that are designed to be filled with an e-liquid. While some might look similar to a cigarette, many are cleverly disguised as harmless everyday objects, like a flash drive, making them harder to detect at home and in schools. The refillable devices can also be used to ingest other substances like THC, raising the risk that a child might ingest unknown substances when sharing a vape with friends.

Why Do Teens Vape?

Although the methods of smoking have evolved over the years, the reasons that young people begin using tobacco products remain the same: curiosity, influence, and the desire to fit in.

Social Influence

According to the CDC, the number one reason that adolescents try electronic cigarettes is because a friend or family member uses them. Vaping products are often cheaper than traditional cigarettes and easier to get. In fact, over 30% of students acquire their vaping products from a friend.

Youth Marketing

While advertisements for other tobacco products – like cigarettes –  are heavily restricted to minimize exposure to children, vaping advertisements don’t yet face the same harsh regulations. A 2021 study found that 7 in 10 middle and high school students reported being exposed to e-cigarette marketing on the internet, television, print media, or social media posts.

“Fun” Flavoring

Vaping products come in a wide variety of flavors that appeal to a younger audience. More than 87% of middle school and high school students who use nicotine products use a flavored variety. In fact, the availability of flavors such as candy, fruit, and mint is reported as one of the top 10 reasons that adolescents try vaping for the first time.

What Are the Dangers of Vaping?

The health risks of vaping mirror those of regular cigarettes — and in some cases, carry new dangers.

Impaired Brain Development

Using nicotine during the period of adolescent brain development can damage the parts of the brain that control mood, concentration, attention, and impulse control. It can also increase the likelihood of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, or depression.

Nicotine Addiction

The developing brain of adolescents is also particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction or dependency. Initially, nicotine floods the brain with feel-good hormones that cause the user to feel more alert, focused, and happy. However, these effects are short-lived. Once the nicotine begins to wear off, it leads to cravings and withdrawal effects that can cause irritability, low impulse control, and reduced attention span until more nicotine is acquired.

Lung Damage

Inhaling harmful chemicals causes lung irritation and scarring, and an increased risk of lung infection. The recent increase in use of e-cigarettes has led to an alarming rise in e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), a serious, even life-threatening condition that can occur after vaping. With prolonged use, e-cigarettes can cause chronic lung disease and lung cancer.

Heart Health Risks

Vaping causes an elevated heart rate and increased blood pressure, which can lead to circulatory problems and eventual heart damage. Studies show that people who vape have an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, artery damage, and chronic heart disease.

How Can I Help My Teen Stop Vaping?

If you are a parent or caregiver who suspects that your teen may be vaping or using other tobacco products, you have already taken the first step by educating yourself on the effects of vaping and current tobacco product trends. Now it’s time for a frank discussion with your teen or young adult. Ask them about their vaping experience: what led them to try it? Why do they continue? Do they want to quit? If you believe that they are having trouble quitting smoking, there are plenty of smoking cessation tools available to support your family through the process. Contact Meridian HealthCare today to consult with a mental health specialist who can help you develop a plan that works for your family.