Vaping and E-Cigarettes are harmful to both the user and those who are exposed secondhand.

With the high prevalence of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette, e-cigs or vapes) and increasing popularity of oral nicotine pouches among youth, teens and young adults, the Health Department Tobacco Control Program is educating on harms to consumers to prevent product initiation and reduce nicotine use. 

As of 2023, 16% of Vermont high school students said they used e-cigarettes at least once in the past 30 days. Of those students, 37% did so daily, raising concern for addiction, increased likelihood of future cigarette use and lifelong nicotine dependence. 

The vaping rate for Vermont high school students is 16%, down from the peak of 26% in 2019.

 

Vapes contain harmful metals, such as arsenic and lead. As e-cigarettes deliver flavorings, additives, and, typically, high levels of nicotine through an inhaled aerosol, they are harmful to both the user and those who are exposed secondhand. Disposable devices are the most popular type of electronic cigarettes among high school students who currently use. 

The Health Department follows the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation urging those who influence youth, young adults and people who are pregnant to discourage nicotine use in any form, including e-cigarettes. 

Vermont vaping prevalence data shows students with low subjective social status, poor mental health, IEP or 504 plan, and females vape at higher rates than the population.
Vermont YRBS 2023. Subjective Social Status is a proxy measure for socioeconomic status. IEP or 504 Plan = Individualized Education Plan or supports and services for students with disabilities.

 

Among high school students who currently use any tobacco, 40% are using two or more tobacco products. One in 17 high school youth currently smoke cigarettes (6%). Smoking rates are highest among high school youth with an IEP, LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, people of color, older youth and male youth.

Flavored Tobacco is Dangerous

Young people are more likely than adults to use flavors. The tobacco and vape industry markets flavored products to get youth to start using and keep them hooked. Flavors are toxic chemicals that when inhaled, can cause cancer and lung disease. Flavors, including mint, mask the harsh taste of tobacco, making it easier to use but harder to quit.   

Emerging Nicotine Products

Oral nicotine pouches, which contain nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients, are placed between the lip and gum where nicotine is absorbed. Whether made from tobacco plants or made in a lab, nicotine pouches are not a safe alternative to smoking or vaping and not FDA approved for quitting any other form of tobacco use. 

Nicotine pouches are never safe for youth, young adults and pregnant women. Learn more about the health effects of oral nicotine pouches.

Why Vaping and Nicotine Use is Harmful

  • Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is extremely addictive and can lead to smoking in the future.
  • E-cigarettes deliver numerous substances into the body that are potentially harmful, including chemicals and other compounds.
  • Even when nicotine is not present, ingredients in e-cigarettes, particularly flavoring agents, independently carry risks associated with heart and lung diseases in animals.
  • Nicotine is harmful to the developing adolescent brain.
  • Smoking or vaping can reduce the body’s ability to defend itself against respiratory illnesses.
  • Smoking and vaping is never safe for youth or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Vaping nicotine and cannabis can cause long-term harm to young people that leads to physical changes in the brain that can permanently alter attention span, impulse control and ability to learn.  

What is Being Done to Reduce Vaping and Nicotine Use in Vermont?

We work with community partners to raise awareness of the harms of vaping, smokeless products that are chewed, sucked, or sniffed, rather than smoked, and other flavored tobacco products, including little cigars or cigarillos, that attract youth, through the Unhyped campaign. Social and digital media placement reaches teens with important messages and resources to prevent initiation and motivate quit attempts among those who currently use nicotine products. 

My Life, My Quit: A Youth and Teen Quit Resource

Advise youth to never start using tobacco or nicotine products. For current users, My Life, My Quit offers tailored resources to support youth ages 12-17 on their journey to quitting. Youth and teens can text Start My Quit to 36072 or visit the website for free, confidential quit help informed by teens for teens.

Resources for Youth Influencers

Parents, school professionals and other youth influencers can play an important role in educating and influencing youth about the risks of vaping or other nicotine use. In addition to being a good role model and not vaping or smoking yourself, here are some resources that may help:

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Parents
  • ParentUp: This Health Department-sponsored website guides parents and guardians with tips on talking to youth and teens about hard topics, such as vaping and substance misuse.  
  • My Life, My Quit - Parents: A site that offers resources to help parents and caregivers support youth and teens ages 12-17 on their journey to quitting.
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School Professionals
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Health Care Professionals

Using E-Cigarettes to Quit Tobacco

E-cigarettes are NOT an FDA-approved smoking cessation device. Adults who use tobacco and are trying to quit should use proven quit tools, like group or phone counseling, paired with medications or nicotine replacement therapy patches, gum or lozenges. Talk to your health care provider or visit 802Quits.org.

Tobacco Control Program

Vermont Department of Health - Health Promotion & Disease Prevention

280 State Drive
Waterbury, VT  05671-8380

tobaccovt@vermont.gov

Topics:
Adolescent Health Asthma Cancer Chronic Disease Health Equity Respiratory Disease
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