General Knowledge
What is vaping?
The act of inhaling and exhaling aerosol from a battery-powered vaporizer that simulates smoking.
Are companies that sell vaping products required to include ingredients lists?
Companies that are selling vaping products (especially the liquid) must provide an ingredients list to the FDA but are not required to make it public.
Is the second hand “smoke” from e-cigs harmful?
Yes. Second-Hand smoke from vaping carries the same risks as it does when it comes from cigarettes/pipes/cigars.
Why are teenagers inclined to start vaping?
For a number of reasons. Curiosity, stress release, and peer pressure are some of the main incentives to try a vape.
What is the substance that is vaped?
A mix of water, food-grade flavoring and select amounts of nicotine. In some variants, heavy metals such as nickel and lead. A chemical called diacetyl that has been known to cause serious lung disease has also been found. These ingredients are generally specific to tobacco-based vaped products.
Have there been any restrictions in the type of vape supplies sold (flavors, etc)
Approximately 18 states have completely eliminated flavored vape juices except for menthol and tobacco.
Does vaping affect the younger population more severely than the older population?
Yes. The brains of teenagers are not fully developed.
Is there a specific age/age range in one’s teenage years when they are most likely to begin vaping? What is it?
According to a 2018 study conducted by Truth Initiative, teens were 16x more likely to begin vaping between the ages of 15-17 than they are after their teenage years (25-34).
What are some of the different slang terms used in place of “vaping?”
E-cig, Juul (this is also a brand), vaporizer
Are there any restrictions on buying vaping supplies in Virgnia? Specifically, age.
The legal age to buy vaping supplies is 21 in Virginia. Many online stores do not ask for age verification, however.
Does vaping help people quit smoking?
What is the main misconception teens have about vaping?
That it is a less-harmful alternative to smoking.
What percentage of teens (ages 13-19) have used a vaping device in their lives, according to federal research?
At least 25% nationally. In Arlington, at least 22% of seniors have used a vaping device.
Do smoking regulations in public places apply to vaping?
Yes. However, this only applies to the majority of states. Not all have adopted this policy.
What ramifications can the liquid used to vape have on the body?
It damages brain development, the lungs, as well as the mouth. Stunts growth.
What education mediums are being used to help educate teens on the possible ramifications of vaping as a young person?
School is the main source of vaping education. Many school districts across the country are implementing or have implemented substance abuse counselors.
What public statements or statistics, if any have been released by federal agencies in regard to vaping?
- According to the CDC, ingredients in vape juice has sickened more than 2,000 people and killed at least 39.
- Young men are the most prominent users of vaping products.
- THC seems to be one of the main causes of sicknesses and injuries related to vaping.
Is the casing of the vape itself dangerous? How can it hurt someone?
improperly made batteries and cases can burn or explode from heavy use.
Does gender matter when it comes to vaping? Which gender has the higher percentage of vaping?
Yes. According to Know the Risks, 23% of middle and high school males reported trying a vape in 2018, while only 19% of females reported the same.