Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-operated devices that deliver nicotine to your body. They may come in the shape of a cigarette, pipe, pen, or even USB memory sticks. E-cigarettes have a cartridge that contains a liquid form of nicotine. When you use the device, the battery heats the liquid. The liquid then becomes a vapor that you inhale. This is called vaping.
While e-cigarettes do not contain the same tar and cancer-causing chemicals that are in tobacco cigarettes, they may contain other harmful and cancer-causing chemicals, such as formaldehyde or acetaldehyde. Nicotine is also thought to increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Many e-cigarettes have chemical colorings …show more content…
• Experiencing nicotine side effects or nicotine poisoning.
• Being exposed to dangerous chemicals.
• Increasing the risk of health problems for you or your baby, if you are pregnant.
• Being more likely to use other addictive …show more content…
If you can stop vaping on your own, do so before you become addicted to nicotine. If you need help stopping, ask your health care provider. There are three effective ways to fight nicotine addiction:
• Nicotine replacement therapy. Using nicotine gum or a nicotine patch blocks your craving for nicotine. Over time, you can reduce the amount of nicotine until you can stop using it all together without having cravings.
• Prescription medicines approved to fight nicotine addiction. These medicines stop nicotine cravings or block the effects of nicotine.
• Behavioral therapy. This may include a self-help smoking cessation program, individual or group therapy, or a smoking cessation support group.
WHERE CAN I GET SUPPORT?
• U.S. National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007440.htm
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://smokefree.gov
• American Lung Association: http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/i-want-to-quit/how-to-quit-smoking.html
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Learn more about e-cigarettes from:
• U.S. National Institutes of Health: