What are some facts you should know?
- Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. One in every five deaths in the U.S. is caused by smoking tobacco or secondhand smoke (NIDA). Based on 2022 data, about 49.2 million U.S. adults reported current tobacco product use (CDC). Every day, almost 2,500 children under 18 years of age try their first cigarette, and more than 400 of them will become new, regular daily smokers. People who start smoking at an early age are more likely to develop a severe addiction to nicotine than those who start at a later age. Of adolescents who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, most of them report that they would like to quit, but are not able to do so. If current tobacco use patterns persist, an estimated 5.6 million of today’s youth under age 18 eventually will die prematurely from a smoking-related disease.(American Lung Association)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to reduce deaths and prevent chronic diseases that result from tobacco use. The agency and its partners promote tobacco control interventions, including actions to prevent youth from starting to use tobacco, promote smoke-free environments,enhance programs to help tobacco users quit, and support steps to eliminate tobacco-related health disparities in different population groups. For more information please visit the Office on Smoking and Health.
- E-cigarettes (vapes) are the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. No tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe, especially for children, teens, and young adults. These products can look like USB flash drives, pens, or other everyday products (CDC).
- Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can impact brain development. Some e-cigarettes also contain other harmful chemicals such as:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – A psychoactive component of the marijuana plant, which may contain Vitamin E acetate for vaping purposes.
- Formaldehyde – A gas often used in building materials, manufactured wood, adhesives, and other materials.
- Cadmium – Metal found in batteries.
- Arsenic – A poisonous substance that is often used to kill rodents.
What are the health effects of vaping and tobacco use?
- Most e-cigarettes (vapes) contain nicotine – the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products
- Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
- E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.
- Scientists are still learning about the short-term and long-term health effects of e-cigarettes (vapes).
- Aerosol from e-cigarettes can also contain harmful and potentially harmful substances. These include cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs.
- Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes. Nationally, approximately 80% of calls to poison control centers for e-cigarettes are for kids 5 years of age or younger.
- Nicotine can harm brain development which continues until about age 25.
- Using nicotine during adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
- Adolescents who use nicotine may be at increased risk for future addiction to other drugs.(CDC)
- Visit this CDC site to read about more potential health risks.
What happens if a student is caught using a vape or other tobacco products?
- The DCPS Code of Conduct lists vaping or using any tobacco products as a prohibited activity. Being in possession of vapes or other tobacco products is also prohibited. Students found in possession of or using these products will be subject to disciplinary action based on our DCPS Code of Conduct.
22.1-273.3. Parent educational information regarding tobacco and nicotine vapor products. Each school board shall annually provide educational information to parents of pupils in grades kindergarten through 12 regarding the health dangers of tobacco and nicotine vapor products. Such information shall be consistent with guidelines set forth by the Department of Education. 2020, c. 679.
Resources
Become an EX: Truth Initiative and Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center
CDC: E-Cigarette Use Among Youth
Electronic Cigarettes: What’s the Bottom Line?
How to Tell if Your Child is Vaping
NIDA: The Body’s Response to Nicotine, Tobacco, and Vaping
Partner for Drug-Free Kids: The Teen Vaping Trend-What Parents Need to Know
Stanford Medicine Tobacco Prevention Tool Kit: E Cigarettes and Vape Pens
Truth Initiative: Freedom from Nicotine Addiction
Vaping Prevention and Education