The Scary Truth About Teen Vaping Make an Appointment Ask a Question Search Conditions This information has been reviewed and approved by Thomas Ylioja, MSW, PhD (September 2021). The Scary Truth About Teen Vaping Teens often believe that vaping or using electronic cigarettes is healthier than smoking tobacco. Get the truth. Who's Using What? Middle School Students High School Students Tobacco cigarettes 2.1% 7.6% E-cigarettes 3.3% 11.7% Mini Pods (like JUUL®) 20% 25% 30% of teens begin smoking tobacco within 6 months of vaping e-cigarettes 600% sales increase of JUUL products in 2017 How E-Liquids Affect the Body Lead to nicotine addiction Gateway to other addictive substances Depress immune system Prevent lungs from detoxing Increase risk of frequent infections Mini Pods & Vape 101 for Parents Looks like a USB or flash drive Recharges on USB port Has high concentration of nicotine Easy to hide & consume Many flavors appeal to teens Not harmless water vapor Highly & quickly addictive Often called JUULing Nicotine Level 1 mini pod = 20 cigarettes What Are Teens Inhaling? Nicotine Propylene glycol and glycerin Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead, etc.) Nicotine Affects the Brain Affects brain development Creates addiction & causes cravings Impacts memory Slows concentration Diminishes attention span Decreases impulse control Parents, call 1.800.QUITNOW for smoking cessation support for yourself and your teen. Sources: National Youth Tobacco Survey, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids 2018, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute on Drug Abuse Additional Resources E-cigarettes How Your Health Improves After the Last Cigarette E-Cigarettes - Health Info Quitting Tobacco Chemicals in Standard Cigarettes Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health Reasons to Quit Types of Tobacco Find a Doctor Make an Appointment Preparing to Quit Staying Tobacco Free Quit Tobacco Resources Tobacco and Your Health Secondhand Smoke Tobacco Cessation Program Want to use this on your website? Fill out the content usage request form and then copy this code: