ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES / VAPING EPIDEMIC

Although tobacco rates have been decreasing, electronic cigarette use has been increasing. E-cigarettes come in many forms and sizes, but most have a battery, heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm development of the brain. By heating the liquid element, e-cigarettes produce an aerosol. This aerosol can contain harmful substances including ultra-fine particles that can be inhaled into the lungs, cancer-causing chemicals, and heavy metals such as lead.

According to the 2019/2020 Lucas County Community Health Assessment (released 12/08/2020):

• Twelve percent (12%) of youth used e-cigarettes/vapes in the past year.
• Of youth that had used e-cigarettes/vapes in the past year, they reported putting the following in them:
  • E-liquid or e-juice with nicotine (56%)
  • E-liquid or e-juice without nicotine (41%)
  • Marijuana or THC in the e-liquid (38%)
• Over two-fifths (41%) of youth thought there was a great risk of harming themselves physically or in other ways if they used electronic vapor products. Thirteen percent (13%) of youth thought there was no risk in using electronic vapor products.

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department Tobacco Prevention Program promotes education on the history of electronic cigarettes, what can be done, and the resources available. If in need of a presentation or more education please refer to the provided resources or contact Nikeisha Cross at 419.213.4120 or [email protected].

Resources to Quit:

• My Life, My Quit (Ohio Tobacco Quit Line), to help youth quit vaping. To enroll, text or call 1-855-891-9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com
• This is Quitting (Truth Initiative), a free text message program created by youth, college students and young adults who have attempted or successfully quit electronic cigarette use. Youth and young adults can access this quitting program by texting “DITCHJUUL” TO 88709. Parents and adults looking to help youth quit should text “QUIT” to 202-899-7550
• Ohio Tobacco Quitline, provides cessation services to youth and young adults. 1-800-784-8669, 1-800-QUIT-NOW