Electronic cigarettes also known as e-cigarettes are battery powered devices that operates like aerosol and delivers nicotine and flavorings. E-cigarettes are also known as e-vaporizers will contain other chemicals apart from nicotine.

E-cigarettes can come in different shapes and forms. Cigars, traditional cigarette form, pipes, pens and now it is available in the form of USB memory sticks. They all operate in similar manner and contain similar components. In 2018 and 2018 sale and use of e-cigarette reached sky high indicating epidemic use of tobacco product in US.  At present more than 460 different e-cigarette brands are available in the market. A 2018 data from FDA and CDC showed that more than 3.6 million youths use e-cigarettes including 1 in 5 high school and 1 in 20 middle school students.

The growing concern is e-cigarettes shaped like USB flash drive is being used by students in schools. Use of nicotine by younger generation can harm brain development and the harmful effect continues till the age of 25. In recent years amongst youngsters a popular e-cigarette device called JUUL which is shaped in the form of USB flash drive is popular. JUULing is the name given to use of JUUL  by youngsters. Apart from JUUL other brands like MarkTEn Elite, a nicotine delivery device and PAX Era a marijuana delivery USB like device.

The use of any tobacco product is not good for health. Nicotine will harm brain and interferes with brain development. For example, according to JUUL- e-cigarettes manufacturer, one JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes! There is widespread use of JUUL by students in schools. Reports on news outlets as well as on social media sites usage of JUUL e-cigarettes by students in school restrooms as well as inside the classroom.  Aerosol E-cigarette contains fewer harmful chemicals unlike smoke from burned tobacco products. Nicotine salt is the new form of nicotine that acts less harsh on throat and easy to use by youth. But all e-cigarettes contain nicotine and other heavy metals such lead, tin and nickel that can cancer as well as other health issues.  E-cigarettes can explode and cause serious burns. It impacts learning, attention and memory skills. It also imposes risk on future of the student.

Parents should be aware of shapes and types of e-cigarettes to monitor children to reduce risk on health of children. JUUL’s nicotine liquid refills are known as pods and available in several flavors like fruit medley, mango, mint and cool cucumber. JUUL is the top selling e-cigarette brand in US. Other top brands include Mig 2, Morpheus E-cigarette, The Blu Xpress kit etc. Many of them boast how good their vaping product is – disposable, rechargeable, fogg vape with other advanced technology to attract users. When parents talk to children, they should know the facts about e-cigarettes. Encourage child a open dialogue about e-cigarette. By quitting and tobacco free set an example to child. Have a natural discussion with child while watching movie, hiking or when someone using an e-cigarette on video or outside.

Teachers and educators must implement and enforce tobacco free policies in school environment. Watch students using USB devices in classroom and test it out whether they are really using USB device or vaporing in classroom. Many teachers admitted that they were not aware of students bringing e-cigarettes in the classroom because they looked like USB device. Both evidences and studies show that young people who use e-cigarettes will become regular cigarette smokers. Both parents and teachers should provide support and resources if the child wants to quit smoking. Educators also should stop accepting sponsorship programs from tobacco selling companies and must stop showing ads sponsored by such companies. In schools if there is a tobacco free policy make sure students aware of it and it is enforced. The more often parents and teachers talk about the harmful effect of e-cigarettes with young people they likely to listen about it.

https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco

https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/

https://www.juul.com/

Image credit; Photo by Thorn Yang from Pexels (Free for commercial use)