Teen tobacco use in any form, including vaping, is unsafe and has drastic consequences. Though scientists are still learning about exactly how e-cigarettes affect our health, we are already seeing some scary side effects emerge.

The brain is developing until about the age of 25. Whenever a new memory is made, or a new skill is learned, the teenage brain creates synapses, or pathways, between brain cells. Nicotine changes the way these pathways are formed, and this altering of the brain can create long-term problems. The part of the brain most susceptible is decision making and impulse control. Teenagers exposed to nicotine may also experience problems paying attention and concentrating, and that could even eventually lead to a mood disorder. Warning signs are lightheadedness, dizziness and tremors.

Vaping effects your heart rate and makes your blood pressure go up. Nicotine tricks your body into sending a burst of adrenaline that, in the long term, greatly increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Though some sources have claimed that vaping deters the use of other tobacco products, there is no evidence to support that claim. In fact, many studies suggest that teens who use e-cigarettes have a greater chance of becoming addicted to traditional cigarettes. The surgeon general found that among high school cigarette smokers, more than 7 out of 10 also used e-cigarettes.

Defective e-cigarettes are extremely dangerous. Fires and explosions have become more common and can cause serious damage to users. Both kids and adults have been poisoned by absorbing e-cigarette liquid though their skin or by accidental swallowing.

Both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes are highly addictive. E-cigarette users get hooked quickly because e-cigarettes can deliver more nicotine than other tobacco products. Even products that claim to be nicotine free have found to have trace amounts of it.

This information was provide by the American Lung Association, for more, visit  True Vape Talk Website

Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s Office of Public Engagement offers a number of free educational programs, including “Behind the Smoke Vaping is Joke” to help school personnel, students, parents and the community empower Pennsylvanians with knowledge to keep them safe and to make good decisions.

Click here to find an Education Specialist to present at your organization.