E-cigarettes and teens

What are e-cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that come in many forms. They all heat liquids, called e-liquids, into an aerosol that users breathe in. They may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals. Many e-liquids come in flavours that are attractive to young people, such as mango, lime and mint. The e-cigarette heat may also produce toxic substances.

They are also known as e-cigs, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), alternative nicotine delivery systems (ANDS), personal vaporisers, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, vapes and juuls (pronounced ‘jewels’).

Using e-cigarettes is often called ‘vaping’. It is sometimes referred to as ‘juuling’.

What are the health risks of e-cigarettes?

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive especially for teens. E-cigarettes and e-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if they have been labelled ‘nicotine free’. One e-liquid pod can contain as much nicotine as a packet of cigarettes.

Nicotine exposure during the teenage years can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. It can impact learning, memory and attention, and increase risk for future addiction to other drugs. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to go on to use regular cigarettes.

E-liquids can poison children and adults through swallowing or skin contact. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting and increased heart rate.

E-liquids can also be a danger to young children if inhaled, swallowed, or spilled on the skin. A young child can die from very small amounts of nicotine. The effects of nicotine poisoning can come on very quickly. If you think your child may have been exposed to nicotine, you should seek medical attention or call an ambulance immediately.

While scientists are still learning about the short and long-term health effects of using e-cigarettes, a recent outbreak of lung disease and deaths related to e-cigarette use in the United States demonstrates that e-cigarette aerosol can be harmful to the lungs. E-cigarettes can also be modified to deliver marijuana and other harmful substances that have been linked to lung disease.

Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused some fires and explosions, which exposes the user to the risk of serious injury and burns.

What do e-cigarettes look like?

E-cigarette devices come in many different shapes and sizes. They can look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or pipes. Some look like everyday items commonly used by young people, such as pens or memory sticks (USBs). Some are even disguised as medical devices or concealed within clothing.

Are e-cigarettes and e-liquids safe?

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not safety tested e-cigarettes or e-liquids, so they should not be considered a safe product.

These products are not regulated in Australia and are often purchased online, meaning they can be made anywhere, by anyone and contain anything.

When to see a doctor

If you’re worried about your child, it’s a good idea to see your family doctor.

Too much nicotine from e-cigarettes can cause nicotine poisoning. If you are concerned about your child, please call the Victorian Poisons Information Line on 13 11 26.

The Victorian Poisons Information Centre (VPIC) has information on what to do when someone has been poisoned, overdosed or made a mistake with their medication. When you call the VPIC, trained staff will give you first aid information, and tell you if you need to call an ambulance or refer you to a doctor for treatment.

Recommendations for parents

As a parent and caregiver, you have an important role in protecting children from e-cigarettes. 

The best way to protect your children is to never smoke or vape in the house, car or other places where there may be children nearby. Passive exposure to e-cigarette vapour can be damaging for children and young people.

In most Australian states and territories, it is illegal to use e-cigarettes in cars with children under the age of 16 present.

Parents should learn about e-cigarettes. It’s important to talk to your teen about the health risks of e-cigarettes. Many teenagers are under the misconception that e-cigarettes are safe. It is helpful to know what the different devices look like and the different words young people may use to describe using e-cigarettes. This will help you to talk about e-cigarettes with your teen.

Finally, if you are an e-cigarette user, always keep e-cigarettes and e-liquids locked away and out of reach of children.

How to talk to teens about the health risks of using e-cigarettes?

Talking with teens about risky behaviours is an important way for parents to help keep them safe. Parents are already good at talking to their teens about alcohol, smoking and drugs. E-cigarettes should be included in the conversation.

The earlier and more often you speak with young people about e-cigarettes, the more likely they are to listen. It’s important for parents to educate themselves, so they know the facts and what to say when the topic comes up. 

Finally, young people are more likely to use smoking products if others around them do. Parents can lead by example by not using e-cigarettes at all, especially when children are around.

Key points to remember

• E-cigarettes and vaping devices heat e-liquids into an aerosol that users breathe in
• E-liquids may contain nicotine, flavourings and a range of harmful and toxic chemicals
• E-cigarettes are also known as vapes, mods, e-hookahs and juuls
• Using e-cigarettes is sometimes called ‘vaping’ or ‘juuling’
• E-cigarettes and e-liquids have not been safety tested by the TGA in Australia, and should not be considered safe

For more information

• The RCH National Child Health Poll:  E-cigarettes, vaping and teens: Do parents know the dangers?
• New South Wales Health fact sheet 'Are electronic cigarettes and e-liquids safe?'
• Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
• Therapeutic Goods Administration

Common questions our doctors are asked

Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine?

Yes, most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. E-cigarette liquid may contain nicotine, even if it has been labelled ‘nicotine free’.

Are e-cigarettes and e-liquids safe?

No. The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has not safety tested e-cigarettes or e-liquids, so they should not be considered a safe product. In some countries, people have died due to lung injury caused by using e-cigarettes.

Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll, Respiratory and Adolescent Medicine Departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. 

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/E-cigarettes_and_teens/

Disclaimer  

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.