What is vaping?

Vaping refers to the use of any device, such as an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette, which fundamentally heats a liquid solution into an aerosol inhaled into the lungs of the person using it.

These devices are sometimes referred to as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) ten. They include e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-pipes, e-cigars, cigalikes, e-hookahs, mods, vapes, vape pens, tank systems, and rebuildable dripping atomizers.

While initially used as a way to vape flavored liquids with or without nicotine, people are
increasingly using these devices to vape cannabis-derived compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), and other drugs, though it is worth noting that some cannabis-based products are wax-like substances used in devices that have a cup from which the aerosol is generated.

How You Can Help Youth from Smoking and Vaping
Individual-level interventions are those that are
specifically targeted towards individuals or small units, such as one or two schools, a classroom, or a specific individual who has shown signs of risk for vaping. These interventions typically focus on the characteristics of an individual that influence behavior change, such as: Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. A recent CDC study found that 99% of the e-cigarettes sold in the United States contained nicotine.
Some of Points to Remember When Speaking with Youth
Youth largely know that e-cigarettes have nicotine and are addictive, but they don’t understand the harmful consequences of addiction. Youth want more information on why e-cigarettes are bad and want to see specific facts.
Nearly all habitual tobacco use begins during youth and young adulthood. Among adults who are daily smokers, nearly 90% first used cigarettes by 18 years of age.
E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals (like formaldehyde and acrolein), and we don’t yet know the long-term effects of these chemicals. There may be increased cough and wheeze in adolescents who use e-cigarettes, and an association with e-cigarette use and increased asthma issues.
Exhaled aerosol from e-cigarettes can expose users and bystanders to harmful compounds and ultrafine particles which can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
Exposure to e-liquids (from drinking, eye contact, or dermal contact) can result in adverse health effects including but not limited to: seizures, anoxic brain injury, vomiting, and lactic acidosis.
Citations

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Reducing Vaping Among Youth and Young Adults. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP20-06-01-003. Rockville, MD: National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020.