Vaping 101
True or False: Most vapes contain nicotine, even some labeled “low nicotine.”
True
ex: Many vape products still include nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect developing brains. Labels can sometimes be misleading.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html
Which body system is most affected by vaping?
A. Digestive
B. Respiratory
C. Skeletal
D. Muscular
B. Respiratory
ex: Regardless, all parts of the body are affected by smoking, however, the lungs are directly exposed to vape aerosol, which can cause irritation, inflammation, and breathing problems.
Source: FDA Youth Tobacco Prevention, 2024 — https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products
Vape aerosol is just harmless water vapor.
False
Ex: Vape aerosol contains nicotine, harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and acrolein, heavy metals such as lead and nickel, and tiny ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause damage.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/about.html
True or False: Seeing vaping often on social media or among friends can make vaping seem more normal to youth.
True
Ex: When youth repeatedly see vaping online or around peers, it can feel more socially accepted or less risky, which may increase curiosity or willingness to try it.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html
Which is a common reason teens try vaping?
A. Flavors
B. Friends using it
C. Curiosity
D. All of the above.
D. All of the above.
ex: Research shows flavors, peer influence, and curiosity are major reasons teens experiment with vaping. Social pressure and marketing also play a role.
Source: https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/public-health-education/health-effects-tobacco-use
Nicotine can affect memory, attention, and ______ in teens.
A. Muscle growth
B. Mood or focus
C. Height
D. Vision
B. Mood or focus.
ex: Nicotine affects brain development, which can impact learning, emotions, and concentration.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html
Some vape aerosols contain heavy metals like lead or ____.
A. Calcium
B. Nickel
C. Sodium
D. Iron
B. Nickel
Ex: These metals often come from the heating coil and can be inhaled into the lungs.
True or False: Nicotine addiction can affect concentration in school.
True
Ex: Addiction can cause cravings and withdrawal symptoms that make focusing difficult.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/traumatic-brain-injury/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
True or False: Vapes create an aerosol people inhale instead of smoke, but this aerosol can still contain harmful chemicals that affect lung health.
True
ex: Even though vapes don’t produce traditional smoke, the aerosol they create still contains harmful chemicals that can irritate and damage the lungs.
True or False: Vaping can increase anxiety instead of reducing stress.
True.
ex: While some people vape to relax, nicotine can actually increase stress and anxiety over time. It also leads to dependence, and when nicotine levels drop, withdrawal symptoms (like irritability and anxiety) can make stress feel even worse.
Why is it unsafe to rely on vape product labels to know exactly what you're inhaling?
Some vape products may contain unlisted or unknown substances beyond what is required to be disclosed.
Ex: The FDA only requires limited ingredient disclosure, and some products—especially unregulated or illegal ones—can include additional chemicals not listed on the label, increasing health risks.
Why are vapes risky for teens even though they don't produce cigarette smoke?
They still expose users to nicotine and harmful chemicals that affect brain and lung health. Some of these harmful chemicals are Nicotine, formaldehyde, acrolein, lead, nickel, tin, diacetyl, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Besides nicotine addiction, what is one serious health problem that has been linked to vaping?
EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury)
Ex: EVALI is a serious lung condition caused by vaping that leads to inflammation and damage in the lungs, making it hard to breathe and sometimes requiring hospitalization.
Why do some people think vaping is less harmful than it actually is?
Because flavors and marketing can make vaping seem harmless.
Ex: Attractive flavors and eye-catching advertising can make vaping look safe or fun, which can distract people from the real health risks.
Many vape flavors smell sweet or fruity. Why does this NOT mean vaping is safe?
Because the flavor only affects the smell or taste — vapes can still contain nicotine and harmful chemicals that can affect the lungs and brain.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/why-youth-vape.html
Why is nicotine especially harmful for teens compared to adults?
Because teens’ brains are still developing. ex: Nicotine can affect memory, attention, and emotional control while the brain is still growing, which continues into the mid-20s mostly ages 25.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/quitting.html
Why is repeated exposure to vape aerosol concerning for long-term health?
Repeated exposure to vape aerosol—similar to secondhand smoke—can expose the lungs to harmful chemicals over time.
Ex: Even if someone isn’t vaping directly, breathing in vape aerosol can lead to ongoing exposure to toxic substances, which may contribute to long-term lung irritation and damage.
. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/health-effects.html