E-cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) and vaping devices come in many forms (PDF), but they all heat liquids that are called e-liquids into aerosol. E-liquids usually contain nicotine, favors and other chemicals.
While vape companies use attractive packaging, flavors, and advertising campaigns to make e-cigarettes seem harmless, they are not.
E-liquids usually contain high levels of nicotine, which is addictive. Some popular disposable devices now have as much as nicotine as 15 to 30 or more packs of cigarettes (300 to 600 or more cigarettes).
Nicotine can make it harder for young people to learn and can affect their mental health. Using e-cigarettes (vaping) can also expose people to cancer-causing chemicals (such as formaldehyde or benzene), heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals. Vaping can also cause lung injuries.
The evidence for e-cigarettes as a tool to help adults quit smoking is limited. To date, no e-cigarette has been approved by the FDA as a tobacco treatment device.
Other electronic devices that heat tobacco instead of liquid nicotine, such as IQOS, are not considered e-cigarettes. They are heated tobacco products.
- Health Bulletin: E-cigarettes (PDF)
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Prevention Resources
The popularity of e-cigarettes among youth and young adults is concerning. E-cigarettes can be especially harmful for young people because nicotine affects them in different ways than adults. Youth who use e-cigarettes are also more likely to try cigarettes.
- #DontGetHookedNYC Comic Book (PDF) for middle school students
Other Languages: Español - Teens and Vaping: What are the Risks? (PDF)
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Adults who work with young people, parents and families can play an important role in supporting the young people in their lives.
Share the information and materials on this page with the young people in your life.
- To learn more and find tips on talking with your children, see How to Talk With Your Children About Tobacco and E-Cigarettes: A Coaching Guide (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Русский | 한국어 | বাংলা | Français - Parents or families can also text QUIT to 202-899-7550 to receive daily advice to help youth quit.
- Connect with other parents or families who are working to protect kids from vaping.
Treatment for E-Cigarette Use
If you use e-cigarettes, tobacco treatment (such as nicotine patches and lozenges as well as coaching) can help you prevent uncomfortable nicotine withdrawal symptoms so you can:
- Cut back
- Quit
- Avoid vaping when you want to (such as when you are at work or with family), even if you are not ready to quit
If you are trying to quit, tobacco treatment can double your chances of success.
NYC residents of all ages have options for free or low-cost tobacco treatment support. Check out more ways to get help today.
Additional Resources
- Tobacco, E-Cigarettes and Alternative Products: Product Guide for Pediatric Providers (PDF)
- Drug Myths and Facts (PDF)
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