E -Cigarettes 101
What is an e-cigarette
A handheld electronic device that simulates the feeling of smoking. It works by heating the liquid to generate an aerosol, also called a vapour that the user inhales and exhales. Using e-cigarettes is commonly referred to as vaping.
Unlike cigarettes , e-cigarettes contain no cancer causing chemicals
True or False
False: E-cigarettes contains harmful chemicals such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde
E-cigarettes are the nicotine product most commonly used by youth and people under 18
True or False
True
In California, E-cigarettes can be sold to someone who is 18 years of age and older
True or False
It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes to youth under the age of 21
What is the "smoke" that comes out of vaporizers?
Atomized "vape juice". The thick juice in the vape is distilled into a vapor through low-heat combustion.
What's harmful in a vape liquid?
Vape juice contains polyglycol and/or glycerine. It often contains nicotine in comparable amounts to a cigarette which is addictive. It can also contain heavy metals like nickel, chromium, and lead.
Why do most youth start using e-cigarettes?
Youth may start using e-cigarettes for a variety of reasons, including to look cool, to fit in, for the flavors, and as part of a social activity.
Research says that most youth start because they want to try flavors.
Can you vape inside of a mall, community center, skate park, or sporting fields?
No, people cannot vape inside any enclosed public space such as restaurants, schools, community centers, malls, or workplaces. People cannot vape within 100 feet of a park, playground, skatepark, or school.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarette vapor does not contain nicotine or tar.... True of False
False , E-cigarettes may contain nicotine but do not contain tar
False
Tar is the common name for the small pieces of burnt organic material left behind in your lungs by burning tobacco.
Nicotine is the chemical that can cause addiction.
E-Juice contains chemicals that could cause adverse health effects if drunk or absorbed through the skin.
True or False
True
What percentage of youth tried vaping in the U.S. last year?
Last year, 410,000 (3.5%) middle school students vaped, and 1.21 million (7.8%) high school students vaped. Probably under-estimated
It is okay to use an E- cigarette in a car with someone who is under 16 years of age
False. You cannot use an e-cigarette (or a regular cigarette) in a car or truck with someone who is under 16 years of age. This includes siblings or friends.
What are three heavy metals that you can be exposed to by vaping? What disease can these cause?
Nickel, Chromium and Lead. Exposure to these metals can cause nervous system damage, developmental issues, and increased cancer risk.
Youth who use e-cigarettes do not end up smoking later on in life.
True or False
False: Research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke cigarettes later on in life.
Males are more likely to use E-cigarettes than females in California. True or False?
True: In 2021, 11.6% of men reported using vapes, compared to 10.3% of women
Because they sell vapes at the gas station or corner store, they must be safe!
True or False
False
Vape flavors and liquids have not been tested for their safety when inhaled. The lungs are designed to filter one substance: oxygen.
Science shows that e-cigarettes always have a positive impact on helping people quit smoking.
True or False
False: Early research shows that vaping can be just as addictive and just as harmful as smoking cigarettes, and even more addictive because of the high concentration of nicotine in vaping liquid.
What impact can e-cigarettes have on youth?
E-cigarettes can have the following impacts:
1. vaping can make smoking look normal again
2. nicotine in e-cigarettes makes it harder for youth to learn, concentrate, or control their impulses.
3. nicotine can train your brain to be more easily addicted to other drugs
4. e-cigarettes contain chemicals that could be harmful
If vaping and smoking are bad, why are they not illegal?
The tobacco lobby is very wealthy and has the money to influence legislation and stop bills that ban the sale of tobacco products. Big Tobacco has a lot of money and can use that money to get involved in politics.