Risks of Vaping and E-cigarettes on Our Children

Dec 21, 2019

• Share on Facebook
• Tweet
• Pin it
• Share on LinkedIn

By Karen Adamson, RN, BSN, William Newton Hospital Administrative Director of Ancillary Services

Would you be surprised to learn that 20 percent of high school students reported having used an e-cigarette or vaped in the last 30 days?

Widespread advertising of these products, including television, has contributed to the increase in use among youths who may believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. They may also be curious about these new products with flavors such as apple pie, bubble gum, and watermelon, and so may be tempted to try them. Our youth may also not understand that virtually all solutions for e-cigarette or vaping devices contain harmful chemicals, carcinogens, and nicotine which is addictive.

It is important to talk to our children about the harms and risks of e-cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes are just as addictive as regular cigarettes. There is some evidence that the use of these alternative smoking methods may lead to cigarette usage in the future. Additionally, because the vapor is almost scentless, it may be difficult to determine if your child is experimenting with e-cigarettes. It is also important to become educated about what these devices look like. While some resemble traditional cigarettes, others look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items.

The American Academy of Pediatrics wants parents to be aware that the solution used in e-cigarettes can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact. A child can be killed from less than a half a teaspoon of nicotine liquid. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting, increased heart rate, lethargy, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

And finally, there has been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. These cases appear to predominantly affect people who modify their vaping devices to inhale THC (the active ingredient in marijuana). If you or your child has had a lung injury caused by vaping, please report it to the City-Cowley County Health Department.

There are many unknowns about vaping, including what chemicals make up the vapor and how they affect health over the long term. Keep your child safe by teaching them the risks.

If you have comments or story ideas, call 620-221-2300, ext. 1113.****

The "Weekend Check-Up" is a regular health column published in the Cowley Courier Traveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital.