Information on Vaping

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What's in vapes?

• Highly Addictive Nicotine: Most vapes contain nicotine, which rewires the developing adolescent brain, affecting attention, learning, and impulse control. 
• Harmful Chemicals: Aerosols can include cancer-causing agents (like formaldehyde), volatile organic compounds (benzene), heavy metals, and flavorings like diacetyl (linked to "popcorn lung"). 
• Not Just Water: It's an aerosol, not harmless water vapor, containing fine particles that go deep into the lungs. 

Health Risks

• Lung Damage: Linked to EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, use-associated lung injury), asthma, and scarring. 
• Heart Problems: Nicotine raises blood pressure, adrenaline, and heart rate, increasing heart attack risk. 
• Brain Development: Harmful to the adolescent brain (continues developing into mid-20s). 
• Gateway to Smoking: Young vapers are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes. 

Key Facts for Young People

• Addiction is Quick: You can get addicted to nicotine very fast. 
• Looks Can Be Deceiving: Vapes are designed to look like USBs, pens, or watches to be easily hidden and appealing. 
• Not Safe: Vaping isn't a safe alternative and can cause serious health issues.