Protect family from harmful effects of vaping | Laura Shefner

The World Health Organization recently published a report that looked at alcohol, tobacco and other substance use reported by adolescents. One of the report’s major takeaways was the continued high rates of e-cigarette use, with almost one third of the 15-year-olds surveyed reporting some use of e-cigarettes, and 20% reporting use in the past month.

These rates are higher than rates of conventional cigarette use, with 25% reporting lifetime use and 15% reporting cigarette use in the past month. While this survey involved other countries throughout Europe and Asia, we see similar trends in the United States as well.

For those who are less familiar with e-cigarettes, these devices are battery operated and contain liquid nicotine, marijuana or other chemicals. When the fluid is heated, the liquid creates an aerosol or vapor the user inhales. Vape liquid is often flavored, which is part of what makes it more appealing to children and adolescents. Flavors were nationally banned in 2019, but this excludes mint and menthol flavoring, and it also doesn’t apply to disposable e-cigarettes – the most popular type of vapes with adolescents.

There are two big problems with e-cigarettes. First, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be difficult to recognize. They sometimes look like traditional tobacco products, but other times they look more like common gadgets, such as flashlights, pens, flash drives, car key fobs, smart watches and inhalers. The other problem is that just like conventional cigarettes, they can be hazardous to our health. While we may not have as much information on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, we continue to learn about the short-term effects and longer-term dangers.

Traditional e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and can harm brain development. The brain typically continues to develop until around 25 years of age, and nicotine can affect the parts of the brain that control learning, attention, mood and impulse control. The aerosolized solution inside the pods may also contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde or antifreeze, which can damage the lungs when inhaled. Over the past few years, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has investigated a growing number of cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. The nicotine inside of those products is typically much more concentrated. This makes it much easier for adolescents to become addicted to the product, and the liquid is poisonous and potentially lethal if accidentally ingested.

Secondhand vapor can also be dangerous to bystanders, especially for growing lungs. More recent studies have shown long-term effects on lung health and development from e-cigarette secondhand smoke/vapor. A study from 2022 showed an increased risk of shortness of breath and bronchitis-like symptoms in young adults that were exposed to secondhand vape. A similar study in 2019 showed an increased risk of asthma symptoms and flare-ups in people who had second-hand exposure to e-cigarettes.

The best way to protect your teenager – or anyone else you know who is using e-cigarettes – is to discuss these potential health risks. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the different products, to better assess for vape-use in your children. For any adults who use e-cigarettes themselves, make sure to keep the second-hand vapors away from others, especially kids, and try to keep your house and car smoke-free, including vape smoke. Talk to your kids early, to minimize the risk of peer pressure in schools.

If you have other questions or need help quitting tobacco products yourself, speak to your child’s pediatrician or your health care provider for more resources. Together, we can help reduce the risk of harm from e-cigarettes and toxic vape smoke.

Dr. Laura Shefner writes about pediatric care for the Cleveland Jewish News. She is a pediatrician at The MetroHealth System and practices in Beachwood and Parma.