5 Hard Truths About Vaping Every Teen Should Know

It’s estimated that more than 2.1 million American middle and high school students use vaping, or e-cigarette products, making it the most popular tobacco product among youth.

Digging a little deeper, more than 1 in 4 (25.2%) of those users report using a vaping product every day.

While it’s difficult to discern what makes youths start vaping in the first place—peer pressure, effective marketing (9 out of 10 teen users opt for flavored products), natural curiosity, or a mistaken impression that it’s safer than smoking—what’s not difficult to understand is how dangerous it is; especially for developing brains and bodies.

 Here’s a look at the top five health concerns related to vaping:

1. Addiction

One of the primary concerns with vaping is its highly addictive nature. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, which is known to be as addictive as heroin. This addiction can be particularly harmful to developing brains, making it harder for young users to quit and potentially leading to the use of traditional cigarettes or other substances.

2. Lung Damage

Vaping exposes the lungs to a variety of chemicals, many of which can cause severe and permanent damage. In fact, vaping-associated lung injuries are so common they’ve earned their own name: EVALI. Brought on by the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes, EVALI can include chronic bronchitis, lung inflammation, and in extreme cases, life-threatening lung injuries.   

3. Brain Health

Even in small doses, nicotine use in young people can affect concentration, learning, memory, and impulse control. Some of these changes may be permanent, potentially altering mood and behavior into adulthood.

4. Unknown Long-Term Effects

Because vaping is a relatively new phenomenon, the long-term health effects are not yet fully understood. However, early research suggests that vaping may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, impair immune function, and potentially lead to cancer due to the presence of carcinogenic compounds in some e-cigarette liquids.

5. Contamination Risks

The lack of regulation in the vaping industry makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what they're inhaling. There’s a very real risk that the liquid used in vaping devices can be contaminated with harmful substances. In some cases, black market THC products have been linked to severe lung injuries.

It's crucial for individuals, especially young people and the people who care about them, to be aware of these risks.  

How to Talk to Your Teen About Vaping

1. Start the conversation early

• Open Dialogue: Begin discussions about the dangers of vaping before your teen is exposed to it. Use age-appropriate language and be honest about the risks.

2. Be Informed

• Educate Yourself: Learn about vaping and its effects so you can provide accurate information. Use reputable sources and be ready to answer questions.

3. Listen and Be Supportive

• Active Listening: Encourage your teen to talk about their thoughts and experiences with vaping. Listen without judgment to understand their perspective.

• Supportive Environment: Create a safe space for open communication. Let your teen know they can come to you with any questions or concerns.

4. Set Clear Expectations

• Family Rules: Establish clear rules about vaping and explain the consequences of breaking them. Consistency is key.

• Role Modeling: Set a good example by avoiding tobacco and vaping products yourself.

For help starting a conversation with teens, click here to be taken to a help guide from the American Lung Association.

Jaclyn Lozier, MD, FAAP, is the Chair of Pediatrics, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and the Medical Director, SVMC Pediatrics.