We all know smoking is bad for our health. Yet every day, roughly 3,300 kids try a cigarette for the first time, according to the CDC. That’s enough to fill a large cruise ship…every day. The good news is, cigarette use among kids is dropping to the lowest levels seen in decades. The bad news is, we’ve seen a huge rise in the number of people who are vaping. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 high school students use e-cigarettes, many who think vaping really isn’t all that bad for them.
Some quick vaping facts
- Vape contains all kinds of harmful chemicals (i.e., formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde) that can permanently damage your lungs.
- Vape also contains all kinds of harmful particles (i.e., chromium, nickel, lead, tin, aluminum) that are toxic.
- Flavor chemicals used in many of the vaping products are simply unsafe to inhale. That mint, or cherry, or bubblegum flavor might be fine in foods, but aerosolizing it can be dangerous.
- Most vaping products contain nicotine, which can lead to nicotine addiction, disrupt brain development, and increase the likelihood you’ll develop impulsivity and mood disorders.
Below is a great infographic from the CDC to help parents and educators recognize the dangers of e-cigarettes:
Help with quitting
If you or your child wants to quit tobacco or vaping products, make an appointment to talk with your healthcare professional by calling 1-800-859-0085. Your healthcare professional cares about you and your specific healthcare needs. Together, we can create a plan for quitting.