Shopping at the mall with friends, finishing a school project, or hanging out at the movies, are just a few activities that come to mind when I think of teenagers. However, it was recently reported by the CDC that a 15-year-old boy from Texas was the youngest person to die from a vaping-related incident in the United States this month!
This is so sad to hear! E-cigarette companies are targeting the younger generation with bright colors and fun-named vape flavors. For some adolescents, the need to “fit in or look cool” is a high priority for them, no matter what the cost. Most teens that I have spoken to have no idea what they are inhaling and really aren’t concerned as long as the Instagram photo of them vaping gets enough likes!
Things to know about e-cigarettes are:
- That e-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals (CDC, 2020).
- These aerosols may contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease, heavy metals (nickel, tin, and lead), and cancer-causing chemicals (CDC, 2020).
- E-cigarettes can be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.
- Just like second-hand smoke, the exhaled aerosol can expose the user and any bystanders to the harmful substances (CDC, 2020).
- Both children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes (CDC, 2020).
- Vaping has caused severe lung damage and death to our young and vulnerable children.
For more information on vaping, or how to talk to your teen about the dangers of vaping, please visit the CDC website below.
Sources:
The Nurse Niche 
Tosha
I feel that the cigarette companies are trying hard to stop the vaping companies because they are losing money. Cigarettes do damage and have been around for many years. Big business doesn’t like the competition. I feel all of it is harmful. We need to educate our youth on the detriment that both cause and teach them to stay away from both.
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