What's In Your Vape?
Vaping has quickly become one of the most pressing health concerns for teens today, with the CDC reporting that 1.63 million (5.9%) of middle and high school students currently use some sort of e-cigarette. Often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, vapes and e-cigarettes have infiltrated schools, social settings, and homes all around the country. While the device may seem harmless due to their sleek designs and appealing flavors, these devices pose a serious risk to the health and well-being of our youth.
What’s a Vape Made Of?
Vapes, or electronic cigarettes, use a heating element which heats up a special liquid into an aerosol, which users then inhale. Users often believe that they are just inhaling water vapor, when in reality, the liquid inside these devices contains a range of harmful substances. According to the American Lung Association, this liquid, commonly referred to as “e-juice,” contains nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavoring. Nicotine is highly addictive, and because adolescents' brains are still developing, individuals can become dependent before regular use even begins.
When the e-juice in these devices heats up, it forms additional toxic chemicals. While e-cigarette composition varies depending on the device, research has found several dangerous toxins in these devices, including carcinogens like acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, which are known to cause cancer, and acrolein, a herbicide used to kill weeds. Other chemicals found in these devices include diacetyl, which is linked to “popcorn lung,” propylene glycol (used to make things like antifreeze, paint solvent, and artificial smoke for fog machines), benzene (found in car exhaust), and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Image url: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Parts_of_an_Electronic_cigarette.png
​
Why are vapes dangerous?
Despite being marked as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, vaping presents significant health risks. Nicotine, a toxic substance found in e-cigarettes, elevates your blood pressure, and spikes your adrenaline, both of which increase your likelihood of having a heart attack. Also, e-cigarette usage is linked to chronic lung disease, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. While traditional smoking also contributes to these health issues, vaping tends to exacerbate them at higher rates. This is because vapes often deliver nicotine in higher concentrations, facilitated by devices with higher voltages, which results in greater nicotine levels with each puff. For young users, the dangers are even more severe. In youth, nicotine interferes with brain development, which continues until around age 25. Critical areas of the brain are also impacted by nicotine usage, including those responsible for attention, mood, learning, and impulse control. These can lead to long-lasting and irreversible cognitive impairments. (CDC Health Effects of Vaping).
Why and How Vaping is Targeted at Teens
Vaping has been deliberately marketed to appeal to teenagers, through a combination of visual appeal and flavor profiles designed to attract a younger audience. For example, the devices come in an array of colors, ranging from neon pink to slick black models that resemble flash drives, making them both stylish and discreet. The compact size of these devices is another key factor, allowing teens to conceal them from teachers, parents, and other adult figures. Their inconspicuous design often resembles other pocket gadgets, making them easy to hide. There are also vapes that don’t even resemble e-cigarettes at all, disguised into hoodies, watches, and figurines. Furthermore, the array of flavors- such as cotton candy, bubblegum, mint, mango, and more, are tailored to appeal to younger generations, in stark contrast to the tobacco-like flavor of traditional cigarettes. This targeted marketing approach draws teens in, often blinding them to the serious health risks associated with vaping. Unfortunately, vape companies are not concerned with the health of our youth, rather they want to capitalize on a vulnerable demographic.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Image url: https://med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit/curriculum-decision-maker/by-module/E-Cigs.html https://www.vapezilla.com/collections/smart-vape-phone
​
Signs to Look for That a Teen is Vaping
Recognizing the signs that your teen is vaping is crucial for intervening before the habit becomes ingrained. Look for paraphernalia such as mysterious chargers, cartridges, or cartridge packs. Oftentimes, the devices must be charged for use. Moreover, pay attention to sweet or flavored odors, as the vapes frequently emit these scents after they are hit. Another telltale sign is the repeated use of gum, deodorant, or breath mints, which teens may use to mask the smell of the vape smoke. Physically, a persistent cough, dry mouth, nosebleeds, increased thirst, and respiratory illness are often associated with vaping. From a more cognitive standpoint, adolescents who vape may exhibit behavioral changes, like increased secrecy, irritability, mood swings, and more. It is critical to stay vigilant in observing these signs and behaviors, as parents can intervene to address them early before potential addiction.
Talking to Your Teen About Vaping and Why It’s Important
Having an open and honest conversation with your teen about the dangers of vaping is important in helping them make informed decisions about their health. While some school health curriculum addresses vaping, it’s essential for parents to reinforce this information at home. This involves open dialogue about the dangers associated with vaping, including addiction, cognitive impairments, lung damage, and other serious health issues. These conversations should be approached in a non-judgmental manner to foster trust and to ensure your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Though these discussions may be challenging, many resources are available to help guide you through them. For more information, visit https://www.milfordprevention.org/vaping, where you can download our detailed parent discussion guide. This guide will take you through signs that your child might be vaping, approaching the conversation from a positive perspective, and effective strategies for starting the dialogue.
​
References
American Lung Association. (2023). What’s in an E-Cigarette?. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/e-cigarettes-vaping/whats-in-an-e-cigarette
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Health Effects of E-Cigarettes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth.html
New Jersey Prevention Network. (n.d.). What’s in Your Vape?. Retrieved from https://njprevent.com/whatsinyourvape/
Stanford Medicine. (n.d.). Tobacco Toolkit. Retrieved from https://med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Smoking and Tobacco Use: Health Effects. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
