Vaping Information
Vaping and Electronic Cigarettes are often marketed as “the safe alternative to cigarettes”. However, research shows that they carry many of their own risks, especially for children, teens and young adults. Whether it involves nicotine e-cigarettes or cannabis vape products, the risks to developing brains and bodies are real, well documented, and serious. E-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth since 2014, and nicotine exposure during adolescence can permanently harm the developing brain.
According the the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey, the majority of Washingtojn high school students, more than 8 out of 10, did not use any nicotine product in the past year. Here in Okanogan county, most kids are choosing not to vape. Statewide, 92% of Washington youth under 18 have never tried a cigarette, and among 10th graders surveyed across Washington, 8 out of 10 reported they did not vape. The research is clear; most kids aren’t doing it, and that’s something we should acknowledge.
What’s in a Vape?
Despite being called ‘vapor,’ what teens inhale is not water.Vaping devices heat a liquid containing nicotine, have metals, and other harmful chemicalsA single disposable vape can contain as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Cannabis vape cartridges can contain THC concentrations of 65%-95%. Which is far more potent than other forms of cannabis, Because nicotine and cannabis vapes look nearly identical, many parents and teens cannot tell them apart.
Health Risks
Vaping is linked to serious physical and mental health effects, including:
Lung Damage, chronic cough, bronchitis, and asrhma
Disruption in brain devlopment, the adolescent brain continues developing until age 25, and nicotine permanently affects circuits controlling attention, mood and impulse control.
Teens who vape nicotine are 3 to 4 times more likely to go on to smoke traditional cigarettes.
Cannabis Vaping is linked to increased risk of anxiety, depression, and with heavy use even psychotic symptoms.
Nicotine dependence can worsen anxiety and depression, even when teens use it to ‘calm down’
Daily vaping nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024.
Peer Influence
Peer influence is one of the most powerful factors in teen vaping, but most teens overestimate how many of their peers vape. The reality: most teens don’t vape. Teens who have strong skills for resisting peer influence are less likely to vape regardless of what their friends do.
Most Recent Studies on Vaping
JAMA Network open - 2025
Daily vaping among teens nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024, rising from 15% to nearly 29% among teen vapers. Those who vape daily find it significantly harder to quit.
Looking for resources and information on vaping?
Want to quit? Check out the following resources!!
What the Washington State Department of Health has to say about vaping, electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) and tobacco.
Click here for tons of great information from the Surgeon General regarding the health impacts of vaping and e-cigarettes on teens.
Did you know that starting January 1st, 2020, you must be 21 to purchase tobacco in Washington State? Read more about Tobacco 21 and how the laws will effect those under 21 here.
Learn even more about the short and long term health effects of E-Cigarettes here. Spanish version available here.
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