Know the Risks: E-cigarettes and Young People

October 29, 2017

From the Surgeon General. Scroll over blue words to get web address access.

know the risks e-cigarettes and young people logo

 THE FACTSon e-cigarette use amongyouth and young adultsdocument icon   Download Surgeon General Advisorytelevision icon  A Message from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General.headphones icon   Listen to the Audio PSAAudio PSA transcript

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E-cigarette Basics

E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.

Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:

  • ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
  • flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
  • volatile organic compounds
  • heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead
e cigarettes are also commonly called
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vape pens, e-cigs, tank systems, mods
three black and white illustrations of e-cigarettes

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E-cigarettes and Youth Don’t Mix

Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain.

Drawing of a brain with energy bolts radiating from it

Nicotine affects brain development, which continues to age 25.chevron down

Trends

E-cigarettes are very popular with young people. Their use has grown dramatically in the last five years. Today, more high school students use e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is higher among high school students than adults.

Line graph showing growth in e-cigarette use among high school students, all students, and middle school students. E-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students increased 900% during 2011-2015, before declining for the first time during 2015-2017. However, current e-cigarette use increased 78% among high school students during the past year, from 11.7% in 2017 to 20.8% in 2018. Source: National Youth Tobacco Survey 2011-2018 Notes: In 2014, changes were made to the e-cigarette measure to enhance its accuracy.

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PSA from the Office of the Surgeon General

Health Risks of E-cigarettes

The Office of the Surgeon General shares an important message about the possible dangers of e-cigarette use by young people.television iconWatch Video

Share this videochevron down No matter how it’s delivered, nicotine is addictive and harmful for youth and young adults.

E-cigarettes Are Unsafe for Young People

No matter how it’s delivered, nicotine is harmful for youth and young adults. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine as well as other chemicals that are known to damage health. For example, users risk exposing their respiratory systems to potentially harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes. Read about these and other risks young people face if they use e-cigarettes.bell iconBrain Risksarrow right iconAddictionwarning iconBehavior Risksasterisk iconUse of Two or More Tobacco Productsgears iconAerosol and Other RisksIn 2018, 1 in 5 high school students reported using e-cigarettes in the past month.

Prevention

Talk with Your Kids

You can influence your children’s decision about whether to use e-cigarettes. Even if you have used tobacco yourself, your children will listen if you discuss your struggles with nicotine addiction. Be clear that you don’t approve of them smoking or using e-cigarettes, and that you expect them to live tobacco-free.

Use CDC’s Parent Tip Sheet to help you talk with your children. This tip sheet offers facts and practical ways to start conversations with young people about the risks of e-cigarette use.

Take Action