Vaping

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HEALTH ALERT – VAPING & CORONAVIRUS

COVID-19 (coronavirus) is an infectious respiratory disease that can cause death.

Because it attacks the lungs, COVID-19 may be an especially serious threat to those who smoke tobacco or marijuana, or who vape.

If your child vapes or smokes, talk about quitting – now is the time to start the conversation.

Also, let them know that anyone sharing a vape or a smoke could also be sharing coronavirus.

Learn more:  www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx

Also see: Health Alert – Vaping & EVALI

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Do teens vape marijuana?

WHAT WE KNOW: Teen vaping of cannabis nearly doubled from 2018 to 2019. A national survey asked teens if they had vaped marijuana in the last month and found:

  • 12th graders – 1 in 7
  • 10th graders – 1 in 8
  • 8th graders – 1 in 25 

The increase in use has been faster than almost any other substance tracked in the past 45 years. Only the rise in vaping nicotine from 2017 to 2018 was faster.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING: Flavored vapes appeal to children and teens. New laws restricting flavors may have an impact and reduce use.

Learn more: www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/monitoring-future-2019-survey-results-vaping

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What is vaping?

WHAT WE KNOW: Many teens are using pocket-size vape devices or e-cigarettes. The small vape devices are nearly odorless and can avoid detection at home and at school. Vape devices heat quickly to dispense high-potency THC products, nicotine, flavored liquids, and other drugs.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING: Because their brains are still developing, young people who vape may experience more harm over time and with increased use. One vape manufacturer admits that long-term effects are unknown and has said, "Don't use this product."

Learn more: www.vapingfactcheckvc.org

girl vaping

What’s in the vapor?

WHAT WE KNOW: The cloud is aerosol, not water vapor. Some of the chemicals that may be inhaled include: heavy metals such as lead, nickel and chromium; formaldehyde; and artificial flavors linked to serious diseases.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:  Besides the known negative health effects of vaping cannabis, studies indicate that vaping by youth may lead to nicotine addiction.

“It is urgent that teens understand the possible effects of vaping on overall health; the development of the teen brain; and the potential for addiction.”

Nora Volkow, MD, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse