Vaping & e-cigarettes not a “safe alternative”

The use of e-cigarettes or vapes among high school students has significantly increased in the past five years, leading to concerns from health officials. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, as well as flavorings and other additives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that e-cigarettes are unsafe for young people, pregnant women, and their babies, just as smoking tobacco is. Vaping delivers nicotine through an aerosol that is inhaled. The CDC warns that nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development and lead to addiction. Vape users also risk exposing themselves and bystanders to harmful chemicals.