Citation

Gaiha SM, Halpern-Felsher B. J. Adolesc. Health 2020; 66(1): 3-5.

Affiliation

Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.10.008

PMID

31866056

Abstract

Emerging evidence on the effects of e-cigarettes on the lungs [1,2], brain [3], heart, and blood vessel functions [4, 5, 6] and related adolescent addiction [7] forcefully detracts from claims that “e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to cigarettes” [8]. Since September 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines asking all youth and young adults to stop using e-cigarettes [9]. An outbreak of more than 2,000 lung illnesses and deaths have been linked to e-cigarettes/vaping. However, persuasive advertising, e-cigarette flavors, peer pressure, and changing social norms result in continued adolescent e-cigarette initiation and use. Furthermore, evidence about the addictiveness of e-cigarettes is mounting, with many youth finding it difficult to quit. All eyes are on the scientific and public health community to characterize the youth e-cigarette epidemic and to provide targeted, evidence-based solutions.

Language: en