Vaping among high schoolers increased by 78% nationally in 2019. The surgeon general declared e-cigarette (vape) use among teens an epidemic. 

Vaping and the developing brain:
Nicotine is a neurotoxin that is particularly dangerous for still-developing brains. Nicotine use can also establish patterns that leave young people vulnerable to addiction to other substances.

Vaping and the body:
Vapes also contain a number of dangerous cancer-causing chemicals and toxins such as ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs, flavorants such as diacetyl (a chemical linked to serious lung disease), volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead.

Talk to your kids about vaping:
Parents can make the biggest difference in whether a student will try vaping. Tell them you don’t want them vaping. Look for opportunities to nurture positive decision-making and healthy choices. And let them know you’re watching. What You Need to Know And How to Talk With Your Kids About Vaping

Quit vaping: 
Students using nicotine vapes can quickly become addicted. Quitting can be difficult. Parents of students addicted to vaping should contact their family healthcare provider to support their students. For more information, check out these quitting resources:

• How to quit vaping
• Text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709