“The Dangers of Electronic Cigarettes: Protecting Children and Teens from Vaping”

2023-05-22 06:03:01

The last decade has witnessed a significant increase in the use of electronic cigarettes, which have become the most consumed tobacco product among middle and high school students.

Nicotine “vaporizers”.

Also known as personal vaporizers, vaporizer pens, electronic cigarettes, and electronic hookahs, these electronic devices are not a safe substitute for regular cigarettes; Because the use of any kind of tobacco products by young people is not safe.

E-cigarettes produce a vapor that contains nicotine and other chemicals that the user inhales. This is known as vaping.

The liquid used in e-cigarettes, sometimes known as vaping juice or e-liquid, contains nicotine and other chemicals. E-cigarettes can be used to vaporize marijuana products, herbs, waxy secretions, and oils.

The vaporizing “juice” or e-liquid is often flavored, which makes it attractive to children and teens. And in 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the sale of all types of flavored electronic cigarettes except for menthol, and single-use electronic smoking devices that come with delicious flavors and affordable prices, until today they have become the most common type of electronic cigarette among teenagers.

E-cigarettes are difficult to identify; Because it may resemble traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other common devices, such as pens, flashlights, flash memory, electronic game controllers, electronic car keys, smart watches, and even asthma inhalers. The administration had issued warnings to several companies for promoting 15 different electronic cigarette products that were designed to look like toys, food, and cartoon characters attractive to teenagers.

In 2020, electronic cigarettes remained the most popular tobacco product, as middle and high school students used them until the last 30 days of them (16.5 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively), so that 27.6 percent of young electronic cigarette users stated that they use this product daily .

Children are exposed to e-cigarette advertisements on websites, on television, in magazines and on billboards on the streets. Although it is not legal to sell e-cigarettes to people under 21, online purchases are available.

The harms of electronic cigarettes

But why are vaping and e-cigarettes harmful? The nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development, which means that the more children smoke, the more difficult it will be for them to quit. Nicotine consumption during adolescence damages parts of the brain that control focus, learning, mood, and impulse control. Experts found that nicotine is present in the composition of some types of cigarettes that are sold as nicotine-free.

It was also found that boys and adolescents who use e-cigarettes are more likely than others to smoke traditional cigarettes in the future, in addition to nicotine consumption in adolescence may increase the risk of suffering from disorders in the use of the same substance later.

In addition, the e-liquid in electronic cigarettes and refill packs causes damage to the skin, which leads to nicotine poisoning, which manifests itself with several symptoms, most notably vomiting, sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

There are other health damages, as apart from nicotine, the solution in electronic cigarettes and vapor contains harmful chemicals, such as anti-frizz (made of propylene glycol and ethylene glycol), diethylene glycol, and aldehydes (such as formaldehyde) available in regular cigarettes, classified as One of the most important toxins for the heart and blood vessels.

E-juice may also contain cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and ultrafine particles that enter deep into the lungs.

Some studies have found that secondhand smoke and vapor from e-cigarettes are harmful to developing lungs, and have a long-term effect on lung health, function and development.

In some cases, vaping devices explode, causing burns and fires.

In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began studying a possible relationship between the spread of electronic cigarettes or vaping, and what is known as pulmonary diseases associated with electronic smoking. In February 2020, 2,800 hospitalizations and 68 deaths from this disease were recorded in various regions of the United States, and it was found that electronic cigarettes or vaporization products containing “tetrahydrocannabinol” were the cause of most of these injuries, as well as the substance “vitamin acetate.” E » added to e-liquids packaged in vaporizing cartridges. Hospital emergency departments have recorded a sharp decline in visits related to vaping and vaping in recent years, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to monitor it.

Experts do not recommend using e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking. Because it is not licensed for this purpose by the Food and Drug Administration, in addition to that its long-term effects on its users and those exposed to it are still unknown.

The best way to protect your children is not to smoke or smoke near them. Talk to your doctor regarding quitting tobacco, and don’t smoke in enclosed spaces, in the car, or in places where children are.

It is absolutely essential that we help protect young people and teens from using e-cigarettes or being exposed to vaping. Speak to your pediatrician for more information regarding these products and how to keep your children safe and healthy.

* Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Member of the American Academy of Pediatrics – Tribune Media Services

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