What you need to know about E-Cigarettes and Vaping
In North Dakota, 33% of youth are vaping or juuling (ND Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2019). This number has risen from 21% in 2017, causing major concern.
And, unfortunately, the nicotine in most vaping products could be contributing to an increase in anxiety and depression in young people. Nicotine is very tricky. When the ‘hit’ of nicotine first reaches the brain, it improves mood, decreases stress and relaxes muscles. After the brain receives regular ‘hits’ of nicotine it becomes dependent on them, which leads to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
Nicotine Facts
- A Juul pod contains 59 mg of nicotine per ml (0.7 ml volume) = 200 puffs
- A pack of cigarettes contains 8-20 mg of nicotine = 200 puffs
- Juuls have about 2.5 times as much nicotine as high-nicotine cigarettes
North Dakota has also become one of the many states to report a potential case of severe respiratory illness from vaping. The CDC, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping devices and e-cigarettes.
Many popular e-cigarette and vaping companies want you to think that their products are a safer alternative to cigarettes and encourage adults to “switch.” The fact is…
If you're switching, you're not quitting.
Vaping devices are not approved as a cessation aid by the FDA and are considered unsafe for youth. The nicotine found in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is extremely addictive and can cause harm to the developing brain. The younger the brain is when exposed to nicotine, the stronger and more rapid the addiction becomes, and the higher the chances are for additional tobacco product use.
Nicotine Facts
- A Juul pod contains 59 mg of nicotine per ml (0.7 ml volume) = 200 puffs
- A pack of cigarettes contains 8-20 mg of nicotine = 200 puffs
- Juuls have about 2.5 times as much nicotine as high-nicotine cigarettes
What is Vaping?
The term ‘vaping’ is used because e-cigarettes do not produce tobacco smoke, but rather an aerosol, often mistaken for water vapor. This aerosol contains varying amounts of toxic chemicals, many of which have been linked to cancer, as well as respiratory and heart disease. E-cigarettes contain many toxic chemicals, including:
- Formaldehyde – Often used in building materials and glues/adhesives
- Diacetyl – Linked to “popcorn lung” or bronchiolitis obliterans
- Heavy Metals – Includes nickel, tin, chromium and lead
- Ultrafine particles – Can be inhaled deep into lungs
How to quit
If you are an adult over the age of 18 and want to quit nicotine, contact
NDQuits. North Dakota now offers a cessation program for those under the age of 18 called
My Life My Quit. Text “Start My Quit” to 855.981.9989 or call to talk with a quit coach.
Curious about the latest news on vaping illnesses?
How to help
Find out more about what you can do to educate others on e-cigarettes and vaping.