E-cigarettes are a common health concern affecting kids. These devices are often promoted or perceived as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults. Understanding what e-cigarettes contain, why nicotine is especially concerning during adolescence, and how to talk with your child about vaping can help you protect their health.
Quick answer: Vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults. E-cigarette aerosol can contain nicotine and other harmful substances, and nicotine is highly addictive and can harm the developing brain. Rockaway parents can start talking with their kids early, listen, set a vape-free example, and call us for support.
What are e-cigarettes and what do they contain?
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that the user inhales. You may hear them being called vapes, vape pens, e-cigs, or mods. Some are designed to resemble cigarettes, while others can look like pens or USB drives. E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver marijuana and other substances. The aerosol produced by these devices isn’t harmless water vapor. It can contain nicotine along with other potentially harmful substances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these can include cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. Flavorings can also make vaping products more appealing to young people. While federal regulations have restricted certain flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes, flavored vaping products remain available in different forms.
Why is nicotine a concern for teens?
Nicotine, which is found in most e-cigarettes, is a highly addictive substance. Some products marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have even been found to still contain it. This substance is especially concerning for young people because the brain continues developing until about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm parts of the brain involved in attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
How can young people become addicted to nicotine?
Young people can become addicted to nicotine more easily than they may realize. As the brain adapts to the substance, a teen may need more of it to experience the same effects. When they stop using it, withdrawal can cause symptoms that make quitting difficult. Additionally, the effects of nicotine addiction can create a cycle. A young person may use nicotine because they feel anxious, stressed, or depressed, while nicotine addiction and withdrawal can contribute to those same feelings.
Are there other health risks besides nicotine?
Nicotine isn’t the only concern associated with e-cigarettes. The substances contained in e-cigarette aerosol can expose the lungs to harmful chemicals and particles, and the e-cigarette liquid can also be dangerous. Children and adults have been poisoned after swallowing, breathing, or absorbing the liquid through their skin or eyes. There is also evidence connecting vaping with later cigarette use. According to the CDC, young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
How can parents talk with their child about vaping?
Parents play an important role in preventing nicotine use. We recommend starting conversations about vaping before you suspect your child is using e-cigarettes. Instead of focusing on a one-time discussion, look for multiple opportunities to talk about what your child sees among their friends, at school, online, or in advertising. Let them know that vaping isn’t harmless and how nicotine can affect their developing brain and lead to addiction. Listening is important as well. Giving your teen room to ask questions or talk about what they’re seeing among their peers can make these conversations more productive. You can also set an example by maintaining a tobacco-free and vape-free home. Avoiding tobacco products yourself helps reinforce the healthy behaviors you’re encouraging in your child while also protecting your family from exposure.
What should I do if my child is vaping?
If you discover that your child is vaping, approach the conversation with the goal of helping them quit rather than punishing them. Nicotine addiction can make stopping difficult, and teens may need support. Your pediatrician can be an important resource, too. They can talk privately with your teen about tobacco and nicotine use, answer questions about health risks, and help your family find appropriate support for quitting.
Frequently asked questions
Is vaping safe for kids and teens?
No. Vaping is not safe for children, teens, or young adults, even though e-cigarettes are often promoted or perceived as being less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Is e-cigarette aerosol just water vapor?
No. The aerosol isn’t harmless water vapor. It can contain nicotine along with other potentially harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals, volatile organic compounds, ultrafine particles, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.
Why is nicotine especially concerning for teens?
The brain continues developing until about age 25, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm parts of the brain involved in attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
What should I do if I find out my child is vaping?
Approach the conversation with the goal of helping them quit rather than punishing them. Your pediatrician can talk privately with your teen and help your family find appropriate support for quitting.
If you’re concerned that your child is vaping or have questions about nicotine use, please call or contact our office. We’re here to support your child’s health and help your family find the resources you need. Peninsula Pediatrics proudly cares for families across the Rockaways, including Rockaway Park, Belle Harbor, Neponsit, Rockaway Beach, Arverne, and Far Rockaway.
