State and federal officials have grown more concerned after a number of deaths have been reported that were linked to "vaping." E-cigarettes are devices that heat a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales. The liquid usually has nicotine and flavoring in it, and other additives. The nicotine in e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is addictive. E-cigarettes are considered tobacco products because most of them contain nicotine, which comes from tobacco.
Besides nicotine, e-cigarettes can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including:
- Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
- Flavorants such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease
- Volatile organic compounds
- Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead
Check out recent information about E-cigarrettes and vaping provided to area school districts by the Director of the Ohio Department of Health.