The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, is growing nationwide and in our own community. While the purchase of e-cigarettes is limited to those who are 18+ years old, it’s not that hard to get your hands on e-cigarettes if you’re under legal age.

In our practice we’re very concerned about how e-cigarette ads target teens, and we’re seeing an increase in usage. The “juice” that is used in e-cigarettes comes in child and teen-friendly flavors. This juice is heated by a coil in the device, delivering a high dose of nicotine.

E-cigarettes and other vaping devices may look like traditional cigarettes or cigars, or they may be designed to look like pens, flash drives, or any number of items. These ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery systems) might seem cool, or even a way to quit smoking tobacco, but the nicotine is highly addictive and dangerous.

According to an article by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), here are some important points to know about vaping:

• “Kids might use different words to talk about e-cigarettes and vaping. For example, “Juuling” is a popular word among the patients of Susanne E. Tanski, M.D., a tobacco prevention expert from the AAP, to describe using a brand of e-cigarette. About one in four kids who use e-cigarettes also tries “dripping.” Instead of using a mouthpiece to vape, they drip the liquid directly onto a heat coil. This makes the vapor thicker and stronger.
• Kids can order “e-juice” on the Internet. The legal age to buy e-cigarettes is 18 years, but online stores don’t always ask for proof of age.
• E-cigarette juices are sold in flavors like fruit, candy, coffee and chocolate. Most have the addictive ingredient nicotine. The more kids vape, the more hooked they become. “This is potent stuff,” Dr. Tanski said.
• Kids who vape just once are more likely to try other types of tobacco. Their developing brains make it easier for them to get hooked, according to a recent study.
• E-cigarettes may not help people quit using tobacco. Some adults use e-cigarettes when they want to stop smoking tobacco cigarettes. While a recent report found e-cigarettes are “less toxic” than cigarettes, most people who use e-cigarettes do not quit using cigarettes.”

The link above also contains a 30-second video about vaping. If your child or teen is vaping, you should be concerned. We can provide a consultation with your child to help them understand the dangers of nicotine addiction. Call for an appointment.