There has been a recent increase in the use of e-cigarettes (e-cigs) by teenagers across the country.
Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that 10th graders were two times more likely to use e-cigs rather than traditional cigarettes.
A new study published in Pediatrics compared the urine concentration levels of multiple toxic cancer-causing chemicals in teens who smoked (1) only e-cigs, (2) both cigarettes and e-cigs and (3) non-smokers.
They found that the highest level of these toxic chemicals were of course found in the urine of dual smokers, but surprisingly, they also found significant levels of these same toxic, cancer-causing chemicals in the urine of e-cig users only.
Although smoking is on the decline in teens, there is an alarming increase in the number of teens who are using e-cigs.
E-cigs, and vaping as it is also known, is marketed as being "healthier" than smoking. Pods are available in fruity-flavors, and most teens do not realize that 1 pod for an e-cig has the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.
Although the age to buy e-cigs is 18-21 in most states, they are available online without any verification of age.
E-cigs are definitely not the healthier option. Teenage brains are still developing and can get addicted to the nicotine found in e-cigs.
Even if an e-cig is marketed as not having nicotine, the chemicals used to smoke the e-cigs still are toxic and cancer-causing.
Researchers have found formaldehyde in these e-cigs at levels 15 times higher than regular cigarettes. Over time, the effect of these toxic chemicals on the body are additive, so it can be very harmful, especially for teens.
Tips for parents:
- Talk to your kids. Ask them if they have seen other kids smoke or vape.
- Talk about the importance of not starting, how addictive these e-cigs are, and that it can be within days to develop an addiction.
- Warn kids that e-cigs are not healthy. These are cancer-causing chemicals going directly into their lungs and bodies.
- Keep the conversation open. Studies show that kids even as young as 9 and 10 are starting to use e-cigs. You may have to discuss this multiple times with your kids.
