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E-Cigarettes – Addicting a New Generation

While adolescent use of tobacco has declined since the 1970s, it remains a persistent public health problem – and e-cigarettes are threatening to addict a new generation to nicotine.  There has been an 890% increase in the past four years.   Surveys of use in 2011 found the following:  1.4% of middle schoolers and 4.7% of high schoolers reported trying an e-cigarette.  Just 2 years later in 2013, surveys showed  3% of middle schoolers and 29% high school students have ever tried e-cigarettes.  18% of high school students reported use in the last month.  In adults, use was reported to be 8.5% in 2013.

What is the scope of the exposure to our youth?

What is the risk to young children?

What should you know about the aerosol? We recommend that parents who use e-cigarettes, not use it around their children.   It is not harmless and contains a variety of toxic chemicals including the following:

Use of these products is marketed and being used by young adults.   The adolescent brain is uniquely susceptible to nicotine addiction.  In 2014 more young adults reported using e-cigarettes than any other tobacco product.  They are more likely to become addicted even with sporadic use.  The refillable cartridges also allow for addition of other substances including marijuana.

What are the symptoms of nicotine poisoning?

Actions you can take as a parent:

The American Academy of Pediatrics is currently advocating for our youth.  Please support the efforts by Pediatricians by letting your legislators know that you support the following: