Behind the Sweet Taste is a Bitter Truth

Vaping is when you breathe in and exhale vapor with nicotine and flavors using a special device. The vapor is produced by heating a liquid solution, which can include nicotine salts (nicotine mixed with an acid), synthetic nicotine alternatives, and sometimes traditional e-juice

These devices go by many names including e-cigarettes, smokeless cigarettes, vaporizers, vape pens, vapes, mods, tanks, cigalikes, JUUL, e-hookah, hookah pens, and more.

Vapes and e-cigarettes have grown in popularity, especially among young people. Marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, these devices often come in enticing flavors and sleek designs. But beneath the sweet facade lies a host of health risks that can’t be ignored.

The Many Faces of Vape The Hard Facts About Vaping Not an Approved Quit Aid Vapes Can be Poisonous

Quiz: Debunking Myths about Vaping

There’s a lot of disinformation about vaping. What’s true and what’s a lie? Test yourself:   

The Many Faces of Vapes: What Do They Look Like?

Vape devices come in various shapes and sizes, often designed to be discreet and appealing. From pen-like gadgets to those resembling USB drives, their sleek designs can easily go unnoticed. This variety makes it challenging for parents and educators to identify them.

The Hard Facts About Vaping

Youth Are at Risk

Vapes are the most commonly used nicotine product among teens: 30% of Colorado high school students have tried vaping and 9% report vaping within the last 30 days.1

Early Exposure: Many youths experiment with vapes at a young age, increasing the risk of long-term addiction. Tobacco Free Colorado In Colorado, 8% of high schoolers say they tried vaping nicotine before they turned 13.1

Health Hazards Lurking in the Vapor 

  • Toxic Aerosols: Vape aerosols can contain harmful substances like heavy metals (arsenic, lead) and chemicals known to cause cancer.2
  • Brain Development Impact: Using nicotine during adolescence can harm brain development, affecting areas that control attention, learning, and susceptibility to addiction.3
  • Addiction Potential: The high nicotine content in vapes makes them highly addictive, often leading to increased usage and dependence.

Not an Approved Quit Aid

While some believe vapes can help quit smoking, no vape products have been approved by the FDA as quit/ cessation devices. Traditional methods like nicotine replacement therapy and counseling have proven more effective.4

Vapes Can Be Poisonous 

Nicotine in any form is toxic, especially to children and pets. E-liquids contain high levels of nicotine and can poison through ingestion, skin, eye, or mouth contact. Even a small amount can lead to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, sweating, and seizures. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, even a small amount can lead to nausea, vomiting, dissiness, tremors, sweating, and tremors.

Safety Tip: Always store vape products securely and out of reach of children and pets. If exposure occurs, contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.