PULSE Magazine | September 2019 Isssue

WARNING

and the dangers they pose

Austin Public Health is warning people about the increasing trend of e-cigarette related illnesses. The CDC reports seven deaths linked to the use of e-cigarettes in the United States. The fruit-flavored electronic devices have become popular amongst teenagers and young adults.

Dr. Mark Escott w ith Austin—Travis County EMS and Austin Public Health said youth usage is on the rise.

"Our big concern at this stage is the impact on our youth we know the rates of e-cigarette use between 2017 to 2018 almost doubled to 78% which is particularly alarming," Escott said. "What we see is a pattern of massive inflammatory reaction in the lungs which affects the lungs ability to exchange oxygen ultimately resulting in respiratory failure." “Parents of middle and high school aged students need to be aware of the health risks associated with e-cigarettes. There was a 78% increase in use between 2017 and 2018 in high school aged teens. This increase, means that 20-25% of high school teens are vaping. This is both dangerous and illegal since the Governor signed into law a bill raising the smoking age to 21 on September 1st.”

Austin Public Health and the CDC is urging parents to talk with their teens about the health hazards and uncertainty surrounding the use of e-cigarettes.

QUICK FACTS ON THE RISKS OF E-CIGARETTES

What’s the Bottom Line on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults?

 The use of e-cigarettes is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. 1

 E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.

 Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.

4