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RETHINK YOUR VAPE

E-cigarettes pose dangerous human and environmental health risks. From the manufacturer to the hands of college students, what does it take to create vaping products? Once consumed, how does the inhalation of e-liquid aerosols affect the human body? And after the product is used, where does it go?

 

Scroll down to learn more about e-cigarettes!

YOUNG ADULTS AGED 18-24 ARE USING E-CIGARETTES AT INCREASING RATES

"Young adult use of e-cigarettes every day or some days increased from 2.4% in 2012 and 2013 to 5.2% in 2017, and increased again to 7.6% in 2018 based on a recent analysis."

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In a National College Health Assessment, the American College Health Association found that only 12.9% of college students used an e-cigarette within 30 days prior to the survey but their perception of their peers' consumption shot up to 79.9%. Whether the actual number of consumers is, in fact 12.9%, or a larger value, it's imperative that we educate each other about the human and environmental health risks possible to prevent further injuries related to vaping.

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College students are our future workforce. Ensuring that this generation is healthy assures for a healthier and productive community.

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WHAT IS AN E-CIGARETTE?

A battery-operated electronic device that stimulates the same experience as conventional cigarettes. E-cigarettes are meant to assist current tobacco smokers in their journeys to quitting this unhealthy addiction, but the FDA has not verified that it does.

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HOW DOES AN E-CIGARETTE WORK?

E-cigarettes produce aerosols by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other drugs and chemicals.

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Battery
 Powers the
e-cigarette
Atomizer
 Heats the e-liquid
Cartridge
 Contains e-liquid
Mouthpiece
Delivers aerosols to user

WHAT'S IN E-LIQUID?

(simplified)

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Propylene Glycol - FDA Approved for Ingestion/Skin Application but the effects for inhalation are known to form carcinogens and cause asthma, respiratory irritation, and chest tightness.

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Vegetable Glycerin - FDA Approved for Ingestion/Skin Application but the effects for inhalation are known to form carcinogens

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Nicotine - Addictive, inhibits brain development, and is toxic to pregnant women & their fetuses 

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Flavorings - over 7,700 potential flavors that all consist of numerous chemicals and potential toxicants.

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E-liquid may contain other drugs, like THC or CBD

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SOURCES: U.S. Department of Health Services & Center for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food & Drug Administration 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE  E-LIQUID INGREDIENTS?

It's crucial to identify the components of e-liquid to assess and understand the composition of the vapor that is formed, as a result of heating e-liquid. The aerosols produced contain chemicals that are considered toxic to inhale. Toxicity depends on factors like the e-cigarette's battery power, chemical substance, heating temperature, & many others. To clarify, heating e-liquid and turning it into vapor may create other chemical products that weren't present in e-liquid.
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Although there are many factors that come into play when it comes to identifying the level of harm, we know that e-cigarette vapor/aerosols contain the following toxicants:
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EXPLORE

Click on the boxes below to explore how vaping could affect human health & the environment.

Join the movement by educating your community! 

ENVIRONMENT
HOW YOU CAN HELP
HUMAN HEALTH
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