The Vape Epidemic

Dr. Rena Daiza

A patient recently told me that she quit smoking cigarettes because her Gen Z coworker said it showed her age. Her coworker was insinuating that the younger generation has shifted to the electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) in place of the traditional combustible cigarette. As her doctor, I took this as a win. But it does bring up an interesting topic—the vape epidemic.

Although e-cigarettes have been around for more than a decade, vaping rates have shot up in the past few years, especially among teenagers. A new study has shown an alarming rise of the number of American teens who tried vaping in the last year. This suggests that vaping may be driving an increase in nicotine use in teens. It is estimated that more than 3 million middle and high school students were e-cigarette users in 2020.

In vaping, a battery powered device called an e-cigarette heats liquid into a vapor that can be inhaled. The vapor can contain fun and enticing flavors. But it may also contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance that can cause long-term harm to brain development. The vapor can also contain toxins and other harmful products.

The e-cigarette, which originated as a smoking cessation aid for adults, has quickly turned into a popular and addicting product among teens. Because there is little odor, e-cigarettes are easy to hide and use in public places, such as schools. Packaging from vaping companies is very appealing and make the vape seem safe.

In multiple surveys, most teens buy into that and think vaping is safe. However, vaping can pose serious health risks. Exposure to nicotine in youth can cause inattention, learning disabilities, mood changes, and impulse control problems. The nicotine can also cause an increase for future addiction to other drugs. Because the e-cigarettes are battery controlled, defects have caused fires and explosions which have resulted in serious injury.

Overall, scientists are still learning more about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. The FDA did not have authority to regulate vape products until 2016. The vape manufacturers now cannot market products without FDA authorization.

It is important to approach teens about vaping in a non-confrontational manner. I recommend parents educate themselves on the harms of teen vaping first. Set examples in the home by being tobacco free. Talk to your teen about what enticed them to start vaping and what they like about the product. If there is true nicotine addiction, there are plenty of treatment options available and you can start with their pediatrician or family doctor.

There is help online; more information about e-cigarettes and a tip sheet on how to talk to your teen about e-cigarettes may be found here: e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov.

Dr. Rena Daiza is a board-certified primary care physician at the Henry Ford Bloomfield Township Medical Center. She serves as a Board of Director of the Chaldean American Association for Health Professionals and as Co-Chair of the Chaldean Women’s Committee - a subgroup of the Chaldean Chamber of Commerce.