/assets/images/provider/photos/2555807.png)
Is it a Watch? A Pen? or a USB drive?
These are just some of the questions you may have been asking yourself, after finding an odd-looking techy item in your child’s book bag or in their room. Don’t be fooled, and don’t let your child try to convince you otherwise – it’s probably an e-cigarette. E-cigarettes and vaping are dangerous to your child’s health.
It’s EXPLODING!
Both figuratively and literally.
In the past several years, the usage of e-cigarettes and vaping (especially among young people) has exploded. Between 2011 and 2019 there was an incredible 26% increase in the usage of high school students who used e-cigarettes.
What do you mean by “literally”?
As the title indicates, e-cigarettes have been known, on occasion to explode while in actual use. While it is not 100% clear what is causing this to occur, it is implied that the battery in the e-cigarette becomes too hot, and the flammable liquid inside of the battery reacts with oxygen, and then…well…KABLUIE!
These combustions have let to loss of teeth, eyes, and fingers, severe burns, broken bones, deep lacerations and even death. There is very little regulation in the vape industry, especially regarding the batteries used to charge the devices.
7 Reasons Why Vaping Isn't Safe.
-
The nicotine in e-cigarettes is addictive and can harm brain development.
-
Youth who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes in the future.
-
The solution in e-cigarette devices and vapor contains harmful chemicals like antifreeze (made from one of two chemicals: propylene glycol or ethylene glycol), diethylene glycol, and aldehydes (like formaldehyde) which is ranked as one of the most significant cardiovascular toxins also found in cigarette smoke
-
Secondhand smoke/vapor from e-cigarettes is harmful to growing lungs. In fact, studies show long-term, measurable effects on lung health, function, and development.
-
In some cases, e-cigarette devices have exploded, causing burns or fires.
-
E-cigarettes can be used to smoke or “vape” marijuana, herbs, waxes, and oils.
-
Due to the lack of regulation, the chemical compounds in an e-cigarette device can vary between brands.
What are the signs?
Fireworks are the only way kids and families can have fun outdoors. Here are some alternative options to fireworks that are safe and maybe even more fun!
If you are considering sparklers, please just be aware that even though sparklers appear to be a safe alternative, they can burn as hot as 1,200 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They can easily ignite clothing and cause severe burning.
E-cigarettes are the most commonly-used tobacco product among teens. In 2020, e-cigarettes remained the most common tobacco product used by high school (20%) and middle school (5%) students in the last 30 days. Children are exposed to e-cigarette advertising in the media, and in magazines and billboards. Although it is illegal for e-cigarettes to be sold to youth under age 21, they can be ordered online.
American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2021)Tweet
Questions or Want More Information?
For more information and for facts about youth vaping you can visit HealthyChildren.org .
If you have questions about your child possibly vaping, and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians, you can do so by clicking here.