Teen vaping is on the rise locally and nationally, with many parents unsure of what vaping is and any potential health effects.

Vaping, or the process of using modern electronic cigarettes, was introduced in China in the mid-2000s. The first e-cig hit the U.S markets in 2007, intended as a healthier alternative to cigarettes. These devices use a battery-powered heating element (often called an atomizer) to heat up the e-liquid. Traditional e-liquid (often called juice) is typically a mix of propylene glycol(PG) and Vegetable Glycerin(VG), food-grade flavorings, and nicotine. E-liquid does not always contain nicotine, and there are varying nicotine strengths of e-liquid. This is what you would find in an electronic cigarette, or a larger mod-style vape.

Newer vapes such as JUUL and Suorin use nicotine salts found in the tobacco plant. These products are often smaller than traditional e-cigarettes. This form of e-liquid can be bought in a bottle to refill a vape, or in disposable pods. This form of e-liquid always contains nicotine, and more closely resembles the feel of smoking a cigarette.

These products are intended for adults who want to quit or cut back on smoking. Recently, they have become popular among teenagers. You must be 18 years of age or older to buy vapes or e-liquid, just like cigarettes or other tobacco products. These products are found behind the counter of convenience stores, just like tobacco products. They can also be found at vape shops and smoke shops such as Smokers Choice and Adirondack Vapor. However, just like with cigarettes, teenagers find ways around this rule. They may ask an older friend to buy them vapes, go to a store that doesn’t check ID, or most commonly order products online.

In a September 12 press release FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D, said “E-cigs have become an almost ubiquitous ‒ and dangerous ‒ trend among teens.” In an alliance with the Federal Trade Commission, the FDA targeted “misleadingly labeled or advertised e-liquids resembling kid-friendly foods like juice boxes, candy and cookies.” The organization also sent out warning letters to companies selling vaping products to minors or advertising to them.

Last week, the FDA conducted a surprise inspection of Juul Labs. According to CNBC, Juul captured 68% of the market share as of July. The brand is so popular it has its own verb, “juuling.” The FDA took over 1000 pages of material relating to Juul’s advertising and marketing strategies. The inspection is a sign that the federal government intends to crack down on teenage vaping.

As Juul pods and other nicotine salt devices look nothing like cigarettes, nor is there the associated paraphernalia, it can be hard to tell if a teen is vaping. Some signs might be:

· A strong fruity smell where the teen has been recently

· Devices that look like USB drives, but can’t be used in a computer

· Irritableness and other signs of nicotine addiction

· Increased thirst

· Decreased sensitivity to flavor

E-cigarettes were brought under FDA regulation in 2014. Since then, the FDA has been working to apply appropriate regulations to them. Currently, the FDA is considering banning flavors in e-liquid. E-liquid comes in many popular flavors such as mango, tobacco, cream and cotton candy.

If you think your son or daughter might be vaping, the best thing to do is talk to them and establish an open line of communication. For those addicted to vaping, you can take advantage of the NY SmokeFree hotline, or speak to your doctor.

A Juul starter kit, and disposable pods. Photo from Juul Labs.