Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping

Course overview

Electronic cigarettes are used to ingest substances such as nicotine and cannabis. They are even used as a source of vitamin supplements. However, there are reports that e-cigarettes may cause serious pulmonary injury. Electronic cigarettes also produce secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and vaping can result in measurable air concentrations of nicotine, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carcinogens, and other harmful substances. Greater numbers of young people are vaping, with a concern that vaping may be a gateway to other substance use and the potential for developing a substance use disorder. Research on the use of nicotine-containing products continues to evolve, as do case studies reporting health complications associated with vaping.