E-Cigarettes (Vapes)
Chemicals in Vapes
Looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to the aerosol produced by vapes. The e-juice contains nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavorings. When the e-liquid heats up, more toxic chemicals are produced.
Vapes and Marijuana
Marijuana use affects attention, memory, and learning skills. Marijuana concentrates used in vapes contain high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80%, which is four times stronger than top-shelf marijuana.
Vaping on the Brain
Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive. The brain keeps developing until about age 25. Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI)
EVALI, e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury, a serious medical condition in which a person’s lungs become damaged from substances contained in e-cigarettes and vaping products. EVALI may cause the following symptoms: shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever and chills, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, and rapid and shallow breathing. The primary risk factor for EVALI is current or previous use of a vaping device. Vitamin E acetate is considered the leading cause of EVALI, which is a synthetic form of vitamin E found in some THC-containing vaping products (Yale Medicine, 2022)
"Popcorn Lung" or bronchiolitis obliterans (BO)
"Popcorn Lung" or bronchiolitis obliterans (BO), refers to a type of inflammation in the lungs that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Over time, it can lead to scarring of the lungs' tiny air sacs and thickening and narrowing of the airways. A chemical called diacetyl, found in many e-cigarette flavors, is one cause of this condition.
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