TABLE 3.
Key Talking Points Regarding e-Cigarettes
| What are the health effects of e-cigarettes? |
| e-Cigarettes typically contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.3 |
| e-Cigarette aerosol, or vapor, contains harmful metals and chemicals but in lower concentrations than conventional cigarette smoke.1,3 |
| In adults, switching completely from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes is associated with reduced exposure to non-nicotine toxic chemicals and carcinogens.3 |
| The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are unknown.3 |
| e-Cigarette liquids can cause nicotine poisoning through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact, and ingestion can be fatal.24 |
| Can e-cigarettes help with smoking cessation? |
| e-Cigarettes may be helpful for smoking cessation if U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved cessation devices are ineffective.12,37,38 |
| Many adults who use e-cigarettes do not quit smoking and instead continue to use both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes (dual use).3,12,37 |
| What is known about e-cigarette use and pregnancy? |
| Risks of e-cigarettes, including relative risks compared with cigarettes, for maternal and fetal health are unknown.3 |
| Nicotine is a teratogen, independent of tobacco combustion.29 |
| How should e-cigarette use be approached with youth? |
| e-Cigarette use in youth may lead to transition to combustible tobacco products.31 |
| Teens can become addicted to nicotine and may have difficulty quitting e-cigarettes.34 |
| Secondhand exposure to e-cigarettes may increase the risk of an asthma attack in youth with asthma.36 |