Vaping
Electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes are battery operated delivery devices. They are used to inhale a vaporized liquid solution that often contains nicotine (or other drugs), flavorings, and other chemicals. E-cigarette use is often referred to as vaping.
Health Effects
- Vapes often contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive.
- People addicted to nicotine can experience significant physical and psychological symptoms when they stop using nicotine.
- Nicotine is harmful during pregnancy. It can lead to babies born at low birth weight, preterm delivery, and stillbirth.
- Nicotine effects heart rate and blood pressure. It may damage blood vessels and the heart muscle.
- Vaping is harmful to your lungs.
- E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It exposes the lungs to a variety of chemicals including nicotine, ultrafine particles, and heavy metals.
New Law
On January 1, 2020 a new law went into effect in Washington State that makes it illegal to sell tobacco and vapor products to anyone under age 21.
Why is this law important?
Helps prevent initiation. Most people that smoke cigarettes start before age 18 and become addicted to nicotine.
Reduces tobacco related deaths and improves health. Every year 8,000 people in Washington die from tobacco related ilnnesses.
Decreases and delays youth use. Studies from the Institute of Medicine show raising the age to purchase tobacco will decrease youth initiation by 25%.