Vaping & E-Cigarette Statistics

Electronic cigarettes and vapor products have become increasingly popular and accessible in Oklahoma. An e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid solution (often flavored tobacco) to produce a vapor for inhalation.

The dangers of e-cigarettes are just as real as the dangers of nicotine. According to a 2016 Report of the Surgeon General, the vapor produced by these devices is NOT water vapor — it is a toxic aerosol that contains cancer-causing substances. Inhaling secondhand vapor from e-cigarettes can cause respiratory irritations and an increased risk for asthma, among other adverse health effects.

E-cigarettes are also dangerous to youth, as the nicotine used is highly addictive and dangerous for their still-developing brains. View the Surgeon General’s website on e-cigarettes and youth to learn more.

Download this informational one-sheeter about e-cigarettes and their harmful effects on our youth. Spanish version available here.

JUULing

One e-cigarette device, called a JUUL, has become increasingly popular among youth and young adults. A JUUL looks strikingly similar to a USB flash drive, and can actually be charged in the USB port of a computer. A JUUL pod connects to the device, and inside that pod? The nicotine equivalent of an entire pack of cigarettes.

From middle schools to college campuses, the “JUULing” trend is growing at an alarming rate. As of 2017, JUUL is now more popular than all of the e-cigarette brands manufactured by the major tobacco companies. This increasing popularity can be attributed to several factors, from marketing practices to its sleek, discreet design — which makes it easy to hide from parents and teachers. Another appeal is the ability to customize the device with JUUL “skins” featuring unique colors and patterns. Unique flavorings like Cool Mint, Mango and Crème Brûlée significantly heighten its appeal too.

81.5% of current e-cigarette users said they use e-cigarettes ‘because they come in flavors I like. [1]

Educating youth about the dangers of nicotine and JUUL is critical. A study by the Truth Initiative found that 37% of 15- to 24-year-old JUUL users are uncertain whether the product contains nicotine. [2] But the truth is simple. It does.

Learn more about JUUL and its impact on youth.

Kids report vaping as early as 12 years old
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E-cig usage by high school students increased 78% between 2017-2018
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E-Cigarettes: Smoking Cessation Aid… or Smoke and Mirrors?

E-cigarettes and liquid nicotine devices have not been adequately tested, nor are they approved as smoking cessation products. While some people claim to have quit smoking by using e-cigarettes, early studies indicate that smoking cessation rates are still significantly higher with nicotine replacement products that have been licensed, tested and approved. The safest alternative to traditional tobacco products is complete cessation — not liquid nicotine devices.

New Rules to Protect the Public

E-cigarettes do not contain traditional tobacco, however they do contain nicotine, which is a tobacco-derived product. Until recently, they have been unregulated and untested by the FDA. That trend is coming to an end. In 2016, the FDA was granted authority to regulate all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. New federal regulations include:

  • Minimum age restrictions to prevent sales to minors
  • Requirements to include a nicotine warning
  • Required disclosure of existing health information, including a list of ingredients and documents on health effects

With the passage of these new regulations, consumers will enjoy greater protection from the deceptive marketing and misinformation perpetuated by the e-cigarette industry.

The vapor produced by e-cigarettes is NOT water vapor. It is a toxic aerosol.

With the growing popularity of vaping and e-cigarette products, there’s never been a better time to talk to your kids about the dangers of tobacco — in all its many forms. Read about tips on how to get the conversation started.

Vaping pen products
DID YOU KNOW
Nicotine is as addictive as heroin and cocaine, and is toxic at certain doses.
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