Logan County Department of Public Health
warns of E-cigarette risks and youth
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[September 14, 2023]
 According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.5
million youth, or about 1 in 10, reported using e-cigarettes in 2022. Of
those reporting use, 14.1% were in high school and 3.3% were in middle
school. E-cigarettes come in various flavors such as fruit, candy, mint,
and menthol. Although e-cigarette use (also known as “vaping”) may seem
harmless, what is being inhaled can potentially be harmful.
E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid into an aerosol which is inhaled
into the lungs. The aerosol, although not harmful in itself, usually
contains nicotine. Aerosols can also contain flavoring that has been
linked to lung disease, volatile organic compounds, cancer-causing
chemicals, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. When the user
exhales the aerosols, bystanders are also at risk for inhaling the
aerosols.
Nicotine, which is also found in tobacco products, is highly addictive
and can harm brain development up until the mid-20s. For adolescents,
the potential harm to the brain can impact learning, memory, and
attention. In addition, evidence suggests young people who use
e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes at an older age and
are at greater risk for future addiction to other drugs.
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The Logan County Department of Public Health urges
parents and caregivers to play an important role in protecting
children from e-cigarettes. First, talk to your child or teen about
the risk and harm presented by using e-cigarettes. Secondly, be a
good role model by setting the example of not using tobacco. For
more information regarding e-cigarettes and the risks of vaping for
young people, visit
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_
information/e-cigarettes/index.htm.
For more information regarding services offered at Logan County
Department of Public Health, visit their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG or
call 217-735-2317.
Information Source: CDC
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]
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