While e-cigarette use in teens has gone down in recent years, teens are still vaping despite national policies aimed at reducing nicotine vaping among adolescents.
The latest data from 2024 shows the percentage of teens who reported they had ever vaped nicotine regularly was:
- 9.6% for 8th grade students (up from 4.7% in 2022),
- 15.4% for 10th grade students (up from 8.7% in 2022), and
- 21% of 12th grade students (up from 15% in 2022).
Nicotine vaping is one of the most frequently abused substances in these grades.
What’s more, the Journal of the American Medical Association found that vaping in teens is linked to a higher risk for starting cigarette smoking and use, especially in youths who have low risk-taking behaviors. Vaping might be a way for some adults to stop smoking, but for teens, it’s a way to start.
Chances are high that teens today have been exposed to e-cigarettes, thought about using them, or have used them. So, what can parents do to reduce the chances that their teens will turn to vaping?
As a pharmacist in the Drug and Poison Information Center, I suggest learning everything you can about e-cigarettes and then having an honest conversation with your teen about the risks. Below are some facts to get you started.
8 Facts About Nicotine, E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids
FACT #1: E-CIGARETTES CONTAIN HARMFUL CHEMICALS
According to smokefree.gov, e-cigarettes usually contain nicotine. This chemical has been shown to harm brain development not only in children, but also in young adults into their early 20s.
E-cigarettes might also contain other dangerous substances, including heavy metals like lead, cancer-causing chemicals, and small particles that get inhaled deep into the lungs.
FACT #2: Nicotine is highly addictive
Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances and is incredibly difficult to stop using. Dependence is based on factors such as age, family or peer influence, genetics, medical history and more.
The teen brain is highly susceptible to the negative and addictive effects of nicotine, and the long-term effects of e-liquids are not clear.
FACT #3: Nicotine in e-liquids can affect the brain and heart
Nicotine is a neurotoxic substance. That means it can affect the brain in a negative way and cause side effects.
E-liquids come in a variety of nicotine concentrations. Taking in even small amounts of nicotine has the potential to be fatal to a small child. Liquid nicotine can also be absorbed through the skin. If a spill happens when refilling the e-cigarette, it has the potential to be very dangerous.
When liquid nicotine is accidentally ingested, it can cause vomiting and seizures. It also can affect the heart.
FACT #4: DESPITE LAWS, E-CIGARETTES CAN STILL BE EASY TO GET
In 2019, the Tobacco 21 law went into effect. This law restricts the sale of tobacco products in the United States to those over 21 only. This includes vapes.
However, online and in-person stores may not always ask for identification, and online sellers of vaping devices may not check a customer’s age at the time of sale.
FACT #5: E-cigarettes come in bright colors and flavors
The bright colors, flavors and smells of e-liquids can be appealing to both teens and small children, making them seem harmless. If young kids are in the home, keep e-cigarettes out of their reach. Many containers are not child-resistant.
In early 2020, the FDA restricted flavors in reusable e-cigarettes to just menthol and tobacco. But the flavor limits don’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes, which are still on the market today.
FACT #6: Nicotine delivery can be discreet
It’s hard to tell when someone is using an e-cigarette, because they won’t smell like tobacco. Vapes can also look like a pen, key fob or flash drives. A newer product on the market is a vape pen that looks like a highlighter.
Another discreet nicotine product is oral nicotine pouches. These small, rectangular packets are placed between the lip and gum, often under the upper lip. As the pouches dissolve, nicotine is released from them into the bloodstream through the mouth. They are available in a variety of flavors that may appeal to youth. Like e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches can contain high levels of nicotine.
FACT #7: E-cigarettes are BEING USED TO VAPE THC
Many young people also use vaping devices to consume cannabis products. In 2024, nearly 17.6% of 12th graders reported that they vaped marijuana in the past year. (This is down from 20% in 2022.)
(Source: Monitoring the Future, NIH)
FACT #8: SEVERE LUNG INJURIES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH E-CIGARETTE USE
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in February 2020 that more than 2,800 people have acquired an acute lung injury or died related to the use of e-cigarettes. Read this blog post for more information about vaping and its impact on teens’ lungs.
If you have any concerns about your child being exposed to nicotine or any other harmful substance, please call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. We can learn more about your child and the situation, and walk you through what to do next.
I own a store in McMinnville Tennessee and refused to sell this product because we do not know all of the health related risk Plus is very dangerous for small children just the comments and thoughts of concerned retailer