MYTHS VS. FACTS

There is a lot of misinformation about vaping. Let us clear the air for you by unpacking the myths and facts.

Myth:

Flavored vapes are just harmless water vapor and may not contain nicotine.

Fact:

99% of vape products sold in U.S. convenience stores contain nicotine. Plus, the chemicals used to create vape flavorings can damage the lungs, heart and immune system—whether or not nicotine is present. Among the most toxic are the chemicals used to create some chocolate and banana flavors.

Myth:

It’s hard for youth to get vape products.

Fact:

Despite sales laws, age restrictions at retail stores are not always enforced. And youth can still buy vape products from peers, friends and relatives. In 2019, half of Colorado youth who vaped said they borrowed their products from someone else. Two-thirds said they paid an adult to purchase products or got them from someone who is of legal age.

Myth:

Flavored tobacco is now banned.

Fact:

Some federal laws limiting flavored tobacco passed in 2020, but there is no statewide restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco. A variety of flavored vape products remain on the market and are accessible to youth. In fact, four out of five youth who vape use flavored products.

Myth:

Flavored tobacco is now banned.

Fact:

Some federal laws limiting flavored tobacco passed in 2020, but there is no statewide restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco. A variety of flavored vape products remain on the market and are accessible to youth. In fact, four out of five youth who vape use flavored products.

Myth:

Now that the legal age to buy tobacco has been raised to 21, middle- and high-schoolers are protected.

Fact:

Federal and state laws raised the minimum legal sales age for tobacco products from 18 to 21. However, many young people can still get products from older peers. In addition, not all retailers strictly enforce age restrictions.

Myth:

Vape is less harmful than other tobacco products.

Fact:

Vape e-juice contains chemicals that cause short- and long-term health impacts. Most vape products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Vaping is especially dangerous for youth because nicotine can harm the developing brain, create memory problems and increase depression. Other short-term problems can include wheezing, coughing, sinus infections, nosebleeds, shortness of breath and asthma. Young people who vape are also over four times more likely to smoke traditional cigarettes a year later.

Taken from: https://www.tobaccofreeco.org/...