Vaping—This isn’t candy cigarettes, folks!
December 3, 2019 3:35 pm
Vaping – What parents and Teens Need to Know
Earlier in 2019, we reported findings from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). That article contained general information regarding some of the issues surrounding JUUL (one particular brand of e-cigarettes). At the time of this writing, there have been announcements of more than 450 cases of lung disease (and several deaths) associated with the use of e-cigarettes (vaping).
E-cigarettes were initially intended as a substitute for those engaged in smoking cessation programs but quickly found its way into the hands of our youth. JUUL is one particular type of e-cigarette and is highly addictive and it contains nearly double the amount of nicotine found in other brands. All e-cigarettes contain some type of ‘e-liquid’ in a detachable cartridge and flavors may be substituted – thereby contributing to the popularity. It has been reported that in the US, approximately 8 million adults and 5 million children use e-cigarettes. In 2018, approximately 13,000 middle school students in NYC reported using e-cigarettes.
In addition to the nicotine in the cartridge, the expelled vapors contain high levels of an enzyme that may cause emphysema. Adding to the problem of ‘controlled’ sales from establishments, many of our youth purchase e-cigarettes from ‘street vendors’ – not knowing, or perhaps, knowing that the product has been altered with street drugs such as THC, CBD oils, or other contaminants. The CDC has issued a recommendation that these products not be purchased ‘on the street’ and that the manufacturer’s cartridge should not be altered in any way.
The CDC and various news agencies have reported that there have been several hundred recent hospitalizations for chemical pneumonitis or pneumonia and that many of these patients were users of e-cigarette products. Causation has not been documented, but the association of use and illness certainly is a cause of concern. In addition, to this presentation of illness, there has also been an explosion of one e-cigarette product.
As of this writing, the AAP and the CDC recommend that teens, young adults, and pregnant women should not use e-cigarettes. In addition, along with proposals from the White House, the CDC is preparing a guidance document recommending the withdrawal all e-cigarette flavors other than nicotine. In addition, several states have banned the sale of this product.
Vaping has become popular among our youth as they experiment and imitate. Find out what your child knows about e-cigarettes, encourage dialogue, discourage the use of these products, and keep your house smoke-free and vape-free.
Please do your part to help protect our youth and their health!
Source ‘Medscape Pediatrics’, August 2019
The News and Observer (Raleigh NC) , August 2019
CBS New York News, Sept 2019
Reuters, Sept 2019
Ferdinand. D Yates, Jr, MD
Woodstock Pediatrics