Preventing Vape and Liquid Nicotine Use By Children
Flavored products are driving youth vaping use
Flavored e-cigarettes are increasing in popularity, and one study found that 85% of middle and high school students reported using them. The most popular flavours include candy, menthol, and fruit. These flavours are more appealing to adolescents than other tobacco or alcohol-based flavours, and policymakers should restrict their advertisements to mass-media outlets that reach young people. Future studies should also focus on why different flavours appeal to different age groups.
Flavored products have fueled a shift from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes. Studies show that 80% of youth who use tobacco products started with a flavored product. Flavored e-cigarettes are especially popular with high school students, who use them to mask the harsh taste of nicotine. Flavored e-cigarettes also make teens more likely to develop addictions.
E-cigarettes contain nicotine
Children are at an increased risk of consuming nicotine, which is the active ingredient in many e-cigarettes. This addictive substance can be harmful to their developing brains, as well as to their attention and learning skills. Additionally, exposure to this substance during childhood can lead to nicotine addiction later in life. Furthermore, studies have shown that youth who vape are more likely to start using tobacco products.
Parents can help their children avoid nicotine addiction by discussing the health risks and benefits of e-cigarettes with them. Parents should discuss their own struggles with nicotine addiction and make it clear that they do not endorse their children's use of tobacco products. They can also learn more about e-cigarettes through the CDC's Parent Tip Sheet, which provides information on e-cigarettes and practical tips to engage with teens.
E-cigarettes are designed for one-time use
The FDA is concerned about the risks associated with e-cigarette use among youth. It has launched a public education campaign that targets teens where they spend their time: at school. The campaign places information about e-cigarettes on educational digital platforms and in high schools across the country.
There is little evidence to support that e-cigarettes have harmful effects. However, recent studies have suggested that the devices do not increase the risk of cancer or heart disease in children. According to Public Health England (PHE), e-cigarettes are 95% safer than traditional cigarettes. However, this claim is misleading and does not take into account the negative net public health impact of these devices. Also, there is no long-term evidence supporting the safety claims.
E-cigarettes are marketed with engaging images to match flavor
E-cigarette manufacturers are promoting vaping products with colorful images and appealing flavours to attract young people. However, the use of engaging images and flavorings in advertisements may encourage young people to engage in tobacco smoking. In a study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven in ten high school and middle school students were exposed to vape ads. Ads that feature candy-like flavoured e-cigarettes increased the children's interest in buying and trying the products.
Vape are sold in a variety of flavors, including fruit, candy, and mint. These flavors make vaping more appealing to young people and mask the harsh taste of tobacco products. Many vape are also flavored with menthol, which appeals to teenagers.
Nicotine poisoning of liquid nicotine
One of the most common problems involving liquid nicotine is poisoning. Hundreds of poison control calls are made each year about young children who accidentally ingest liquid nicotine. Even small amounts can cause breathing problems, vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. This is because liquid nicotine contains hundreds of chemicals that can be toxic if swallowed.
When you suspect that your child has swallowed a large amount of liquid nicotine, contact Poison Control right away. You will be able to get expert advice from trained professionals and determine what you can do. To protect yourself and your child, keep any liquid nicotine and the packaging in a safe place. You should also seek medical attention immediately.
Other vaping hazards
The use of vapes has many potential risks for children and teenagers. THC and nicotine are addictive, and they can affect a child's brain development in different ways. Nicotine, in particular, is known to cause addiction and contribute to other substance abuse problems. It can also alter the brain's connections, impairing attention and leading to irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.
In addition to nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain other harmful ingredients. The FDA has found several carcinogens in e-cigarettes, and the vapor contains chemicals like diethylene glycol, which is an antifreeze. Diethylene glycol is especially harmful to children and can cause breathing difficulties. It's also unsafe to vape around children and pregnant women.