Vaping
As the number of tobacco smokers decrease, there has been an increase in the
number of people vaping especially in our teen population. As we help people with diabetes with behavior
changes, you may be called upon to address the subject of vaping.
Some facts about vaping:
1. All e-cigarettes are the same regardless of the name: Hookah pens, e-hookahs,
vape pens, mods, tanks, e-shishas, or PVs (personal vaporizer vaper).
2. All use a battery to heat up a liquid called e-juice. The vapor from the heated
liquid is inhaled. Battery may be come overheated and explode.
3. E-juices come in a variety of flavors and nicotine levels.
4. Vapor is just not water. It is an aerosol of tiny particles of many different
chemicals.
5. Some e-juices do not contain nicotine but the flavor and other chemicals may do
harm as well-formaldehyde is just one of the chemicals found in e-juices.
6. Refill containers are not child proof. There is a risk of nicotine overdose if
child would consume.
7. E cigarettes have not been approved as a "quit device" to stop tobacco.
8. Long term health effects are not know.
9. In Pennsylvania, a person must be 21 years of age to go into a vape shop. However,
studies have shown that people under the age of 21 purchase their supplies
on line as there are no regulations to control this.
Resources for tobacco and vaping cessation:
PA FREE Quitline: 1-800-QuitNow
Breathe PA-Smoke Free for Life program
Smokefree.gov
Sue Balog RN, CDCES, TTS