6.2 Tobacco, Nicotine and Vaping

Notes

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and most vapes.

• Tobacco smoke has thousands of chemicals, including many that cause cancer. Smoking causes lung disease, heart disease and many cancers.
• E-cigarettes (vapes) heat a liquid into an aerosol. The aerosol is not just water vapor: it can contain nicotine, flavoring chemicals, and tiny particles and metals that harm the lungs.
• Nicotine can harm teen brain development, attention and mood, and can cause addiction quickly.
• Secondhand smoke and aerosol can harm others nearby.
• Marketing uses flavors and social media to attract teens. Recognizing these tactics helps you resist them.
• Quitting is hard but possible with support from a doctor, a counselor or quit programs.
• It is illegal in the U.S. to sell tobacco or vape products to anyone under 21.