Vaping: Dispelling the myths
An FDA 2019 survey shows the rate of vaping among high school and middle school students continues to rise. With more than 1 in 4 high schoolers and 1 in 10 middle schoolers reporting vaping use, the need to educate families about the risks of vaping is critical. The misleading and unsubstantiated claims made by vaping companies have left lingering myths about the dangers and use of e-cigarette products.
Myth: Vaping is a “healthier” alternative
to smoking.
Fact: There is no evidence that supports the claim that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking. These products are not regulated by the FDA and do not disclose their ingredients.
Myth: Vapes don’t contain nicotine.
Fact: According to the CDC, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine -- the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products. Additionally, recent research on actual e-cigarette users has shown that they are taking in heavy metals like nickel, tin and lead, as well as chemicals known to cause cancer. Some of that is coming from the flavorings and the heating devices, and some is from the tobacco from which the liquids are made.
Myth: Vapes can help smokers quit smoking.
Fact: No e-cigarette has been found to be safe and effective to help people quit smoking, according to the American Lung Association.
Myth: There are no secondhand smoke risks
from vaping.
Fact: Like secondhand smoke, secondhand vapor is harmful. When kids are vaping in a school bathroom, young bystanders are breathing in the harmful metals and chemicals.
Be informed and talk with your teen. For more information and resources to help teens quit vaping:
lung.org/stop-smoking/vape-talk
teen.smokefree.gov/quit-vaping
