originally published online October 4, 2013; AAP News Trisha Korioth

E-cigarettes easy to buy, can hook kids on nicotine

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E-cigarettes easy to buy, can hook kids on nicotine by Trisha Korioth • Staff Writer

Parents may try electronic cigarettes to help them quit smoking.Teens may try them because they think they’re safer than regular cig-arettes. One electronic cigarette, however, can have as much nicotineas a whole pack of cigarettes. In addition, the Food and Drug Admin-istration (FDA) has found cancer-causing chemicals in electroniccigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes are advertised as a way to help smokers quit.Also known as e-cigarettes or e-cigs, they are sold in many colors,shapes, sizes and flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate and peach schnapps.The devices have a battery, vaporizer and cartridge that make a mistthat is inhaled. Smoking e-cigarettes is known as “vaping.”

E-cig usage has doubled among middle and high school students.A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention foundthat about one in 10 high school students admitted using an e-cig-arette.

E-cigs are not regulated or approved by the FDA and do not haveto follow the same rules as other nicotine products. This means thatthe amount of nicotine and other harmful ingredients in each cartridgeis not always the same. In addition, it’s easy for kids to buy e-cigs.More than half of states allow kids of any age to purchase e-cigarettes,and they’re easy to get online and in mall booths.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) urges parents to talkwith their kids about the dangers of e-cigarettes. Most cartridgeshave 20 milligrams of nicotine, and a dose of as little as 10 milligramsof nicotine can be fatal for a child. In addition, children can easilybecome hooked on the nicotine.

Parents who think their child may be using e-cigarettes shouldwatch for signs of nicotine addiction, according to the AAP. Thisincludes feeling nervous, craving e-cigarettes and not being able toquit. Parents who are trying to quit smoking should avoid using e-cigarettes and try other options that are approved by FDA, such asnicotine patches or gum.

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originally published online October 4, 2013; AAP News Trisha Korioth

E-cigarettes easy to buy, can hook kids on nicotine

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