E-Cigarettes and Other Vapor Products

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid solution or gel to produce a vapor for inhalation. Nicotine absorption levels differ significantly between first-generation devices, such as those that resemble cigarettes, and new-generation devices. New generation devices have larger heating elements, called atomizers, with a higher wattage output which enables a greater level of nicotine to be delivered to the bloodstream. The new-generation devices are often called tank systems. The liquid solution comes in various flavors and nicotine levels.

E-cigarettes do not contain tobacco from tobacco leaves, but they do contain nicotine, which is a tobacco-derived product. This nicotine can be natural or synthetic. In December 2018, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams declared youth vaping an "epidemic." According to the 2023 NYTS (National Youth Tobacco Survey), more than 2.13 million high and middle school students currently use e-cigarettes, with 89% of those users opting for the flavored variety. Additionally, approximately 50% of youth who try e-cigarettes go on to become regular users. Oklahoma, as a state, has the 7th highest rate of e-cigarette use which is illustrated by 1/5 of high school students reporting current use. As people continue to use these products, it is important to emphasize that no amount of nicotine is safe for youth consumption. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain by not only increasing the risk of addiction but by shortening attention spans and reducing the ability to retain information.