Risks of vaping

Oak Park health officials are joining experts across the country in warning consumers to avoid e-cigarettes until the cause of a dangerous and sometimes fatal lung disease tied to vaping is determined. Vaping is especially dangerous when marijuana use is involved.

Affected individuals have reported the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath or chest pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, fatigue and fever or weight loss. Symptoms can develop within a few days or over several weeks.

Health officials stress that young people and pregnant women should never vape. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the many dangers associated with vaping.

Myths vs. facts on e-cigarettes

It’s just water and flavoring.
Fact: Vaping devices get their flavors from chemicals. Diacetyl, a buttery flavor, has been linked to serious lung disease. Some flavoring may be safe to eat in food, but inhaling chemicals can harm your lungs. Other chemicals in vapes include formaldehyde, lead and benzene.

I won’t become addicted.
Fact: The majority of vapes contain nicotine, even those that advertise as nicotine free. Some popular vaping devices contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes. Young people are more susceptible to nicotine addiction because their brains are not fully developed. Nicotine exposure during the teen years can disrupt normal brain development. It can also have long-lasting effects, like increased impulsivity and mood disorders.

Nicotine isn’t bad for you.
Fact: Nicotine exposure during the teen years can disrupt normal brain development. It can have long lasting effects, like increased impulsivity and mood disorders.

Fast facts about e-cigarettes

Most adult e-cigarette users continue to use traditional cigarettes. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
Secondhand vapor has been found to have some of the same chemicals as traditional secondhand smoke, and may be harmful to those exposed.
According to the 2018 Illinois Youth Survey, Oak Park youth use of vaping devices increased by 67% since 2016.
Vaping devices can also be used to ingest other substances, including marijuana.

Fast facts about marijuana

Marijuana is two to three times more potent today than in the 1970s.
One in six teens who repeatedly use marijuana can become addicted.
According to the 2018 Illinois Youth Survey, 39% of OPRF high school seniors reported using marijuana in the past 30 days.
Frequent or long term marijuana use is linked with school dropout and lower educational achievement.

Negative consequences of marijuana use

Impaired Driving

Driving while impaired by substances, including marijuana, is dangerous. Marijuana negatively affects a number of skills required for safe driving, such as reaction time, coordination, and concentration.

Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues
Marijuana use has been linked to a range of mental health problems in teens such as anxiety. Psychosis has also been seen in teens at higher risk, like those with family history.

Potential for Addictions
Research suggests that about one in six teens who repeatedly use marijuana become addicted. Addiction may result in unsuccessful efforts to quit or giving up important activities with friends and family in favor of using marijuana.

Talk to your children about vaping

The CDC reports that since 2014, e-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students. Between 2017 and 2018 alone, the number of youth who used e-cigarettes went up by 1.5 million. The U.S. Surgeon General has called e-cigarette use by youth an epidemic and warned that it threatens decades of progress toward making sure fewer young people use tobacco.

Tips for parents:

The earlier and more often you speak with your kids about the dangers, the more likely they are to listen.
Schools, community centers and other places where young people gather should have tobacco-free campus policies.
Teachers and administrators can use health classes and assemblies to invite students to ask questions about vaping.
Give those students who do use e-cigarettes and want to stop support and resources they need to quit.
Lead by example – if you use any tobacco products, commit to quit. Kids are more likely to use tobacco if others around them do.

For a booklet to print with more tips and advice, visit here.

Main menu

STAY CONNECTED

Risks of vaping

STAY CONNECTED