Long viewed as a reliable source for tracking linguistic trends, Oxford Dictionaries announces its annual Word of the Year, which consistently aligns with current societal patterns (for instance, last year’s selection was “selfie”). This year’s choice? Vape. This term refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling vapor produced by electronic cigarettes or similar devices; both the process and the device itself can be referred to as a vape.
If the term “vape” is unfamiliar to you and you have a tween or teen at home, it’s time to learn about it. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control released in November, e-cigarette usage among teenagers has surged, tripling within just two years. Although the full consequences of e-cigarette use remain uncertain, the 2014 report from the Surgeon General indicated that nicotine can negatively affect the development of the adolescent brain.
Many individuals mistakenly believe e-cigarettes are safe and devoid of tobacco, remarks Dr. Leslie Pidgeon, an emergency room physician. “This perspective misses important details, as traces of nicotine have been detected even in products labeled as nicotine-free. They pose the same risks of addiction as traditional nicotine-containing products, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. A 2009 FDA report identified harmful substances like diethylene glycol and nitrosamines, known carcinogens, in e-cigarettes. Furthermore, it was found that even ‘light’ e-cigarettes contained nicotine despite being marketed as nicotine-free.”
Dr. Pidgeon further explains that for individuals with existing asthma conditions, the common adverse effects associated with e-cigarettes—such as dry cough and airway irritation—can heighten the risk of asthma attacks or allergic reactions. Additionally, sharing an e-cigarette exposes one to another person’s germs. If an e-cigarette is stored in places like a purse or pocket, it might also complicate the treatment of MRSA infections. Research from the University of California, San Diego indicates that exposing MRSA samples to e-cigarette vapor increases the bacteria’s virulence.
A troubling aspect of e-cigarette use among teens is the consumption of substances beyond nicotine, including marijuana. Hazel Alterman, an advocate for addiction awareness, has discovered through her work with local schools that some students store e-cigarettes in their lockers and use them in between classes. Others prefer e-cigarettes as their method of choice for consuming hash oil, a potent and highly addictive extract of Cannabis.
Because regulations regarding e-cigarettes are primarily determined by individual cities, the rules surrounding their possession and use can differ significantly. However, in Plano, the City Council has amended its smoking ordinance to ban e-cigarette use in all places where smoking is prohibited. Carrie Stevens, a member of a Plano Coalition focused on educating students and parents about drugs, emphasizes that the amendments establish the legal age for purchasing e-cigarettes and vaping liquids at 18, aligning it with the age for other tobacco products.
The takeaway? It’s crucial to maintain open lines of communication with your children—this is a general principle that applies in most situations. Dr. Pidgeon adds, “Studies indicate that when parents express their disapproval of smoking, the rates of tobacco use tend to decrease.”
For more information, visit: Plano City Council Ordinance on E-Cigs
E-cigarette use has tripled among teenagers in just two years, and the Surgeon General reports that nicotine can adversely affect adolescent brain development.
