6 Tips for Parents to Understand Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know About Vaping and E-cigarettes

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As vaping becomes more and more popular among teenagers, parents must remain on top of the situation. Just like any other substance, the use of vaping devices can be both beneficial and harmful. The best way to understand vaping is to learn the facts.

While experts may not agree on the long-term health effects of vaping,  there are some facts that you can use as a jumping-off point to educate yourself and your children.

As a parent, you are always on the lookout for the best ways to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your family. We should all be vigilant about this, especially in light of trends such as e-cigarettes and vaping. But what are some things that you need to know? In this article, we’ll explore five key points that every parent needs to know about vaping — from how to stop it at home to issues surrounding second-hand vapour.

How Do E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices Work?

Scientists have been working on nicotine inhalers for decades. They have created patches and gum that deliver nicotine in a controlled fashion. These are effective but still, require the user to make a conscious effort to use them. Vaping devices, on the other hand, are not based on nicotine replacement. They provide an alternative to cigarettes that is just as addictive as nicotine. The effects are similar to that of smoking but can vary slightly depending on the device and flavor used.

The vaping devices are battery-powered and heat up a liquid that contains a mix of flavouring, propylene glycol, and nicotine. The user then inhales the vapour from the heating liquid. This is what produces a feeling similar to that of smoking a cigarette. The liquid is heated at a temperature of around 350 – 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The device is easy to use and does not require much maintenance. The only part that needs regular cleaning is the atomiser, which is the part that heats up the liquid. Some devices have a tank that can be refilled as needed. Some have single-use disposable cartridges that are replaced when needed.

What Is In The E-Liquids Used in E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices?

The e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes and vaping devices can be purchased in a variety of flavours and also nicotine strengths. The most common flavours are tobacco and menthol, but there are also fruit flavours, such as cherry, watermelon, and other sweet flavours. Whether you vape nicotine e-liquids or not, the e-liquids used in e-cigarettes and vaping devices are made up of many chemicals. The ingredients in the e-liquids are propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and nicotine.

Your kids may already be inhaling second hand vapour

According to a study by the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the use of e-cigarettes among teens has risen 900 percent since 2011. Although e-cigarette products don’t contain the same addictive chemicals as tobacco, they still contain nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to the lungs. The harmful chemicals found in e-cigarette products are called “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs). VOCs can cause irritation to the lungs, nausea, and headaches. And, as with traditional cigarettes, second hand vapour is far less harmful and doesn’t cause any disease in a low amount. Vaping can also hurt your child’s oral health. Researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine found e-cigarettes can cause gum disease and bad breath if used immoderately.

Are There Any Health Benefits of Smoking with an E-Cigarette or Vaping Device?

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are growing in popularity among young people, especially teenagers and young adults. Many people are looking for a way to quit smoking or to cut down on the amount of tobacco that they smoke. E-cigarettes and vaping devices have been marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco. But do e-cigarettes and vaping devices actually have any health benefits?

While these devices have been proven to be healthier than traditional cigarettes, they may contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. It would help if you allowed your child to use it with the least nicotine as possible at first and gradually help them get rid of it all together with healthier alternatives to get the most benefits.

How do you know if your child is vaping?

It’s not always easy to tell whether your child is vaping nicotine. The term vaping can be misleading. It’s not smoking. The vapor is similar to fog. The nicotine in the vapor is absorbed into the body through the mouth. Nicotine is a stimulant. In large quantities, it can be toxic and possibly even lethal. Vaping is not harmless. Nicotine is not safe for kids.

You might not think it, but there are some tell-tale signs that your teen is vaping. You can find out if your teen is vaping with these 2 simple tips for parents.

Step 1: Find Out How It Works First, you need to know how e-cigarettes work. E-cigarettes contain a liquid called e-liquid or e-juice. It contains a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycol, and sometimes nicotine. E-liquids are available in different flavours and usually come in small plastic bottles.

Step 2: Watch For Major Changes In Behaviour Sometimes, a change in behaviour can be the first sign of e-cigarette use. The younger your teen is, the more obvious it will be if he or she is vaping. If your child is a teen, watch for changes in their activity level.

How to talk to your teen about e-cigarettes and vaping

There are many things that parents should know in regards to vaping. But one of the most important — and the easiest to do — is to just talk to your teen about e-cigarettes and vaping. If you find that you’re having trouble talking to your own child about it, you’re not alone. Many parents feel uncomfortable bringing up the topic because they don’t want to come off as preachy. This is understandable. But, if you want to talk to your teen about e-cigarettes and vaping, it’s important to be prepared with the right tools and information.

As a parent, it is hard enough to deal with your child’s growth and development. It isn’t easy to accept that your child is growing up and learning about the world. A large part of this is learning to use technology and social media. Because of this, it can be hard to convince yourself that your child is not vaping. Perhaps your teen has never had an interest in smoking, and you are wondering why they would suddenly start now.