In 2020, CDC and FDA data showed that at least 3.6 million U.S. youth, including about 1 in 5 high school students and about 1 in 20 middle school students, used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days."
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WHAT ARE E-CIGARETTES?
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients to the user. Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called “vaping.” E-cigarettes do not create harmless “water vapor” – they create an aerosol that can contain harmful chemicals.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS FOR YOUTH?
- Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.
- Many e-cigarettes come in kid-friendly flavors – including mango, fruit, and crème – which make e-cigarettes more appealing to young people.
- E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It can contain harmful substances, including: » Nicotine » Cancer-causing chemicals » Volatile organic compounds » Ultrafine particles » Flavorings that have been linked to lung disease » Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A PARENT OR CAREGIVER?
As a parent or caregiver, you have an important role in protecting children from e-cigarettes. » Talk to your child or teen about why e-cigarettes are harmful for them. It’s never too late. » Set a good example by being tobacco-free. » Learn about the different shapes and types of e-cigarettes and the risks of e-cigarette use for young people at CDC.gov/e-cigarettes.