As nicotine has recently become a substance of choice for many teens, I thought it would be important to learn about what the actual risks of nicotine are. In a post by the CDC “Why is Nicotine Unsafe for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults?” it’s written that nicotine can harm the developing brain. Since the brain continues to develop until age 25, and nicotine can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, it’s recommended that teens stay away from nicotine usage.

Unfortunately, a recent study showed that 99% of E-Cigarettes sold in assessed venues in the United States contain nicotine — and some that are advertised to contain 0% nicotine are a part of that group.

E-Cigarettes work by heating a liquid that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to make aerosol. Users will inhale the aerosol produced into their lungs.

I didn’t know what aerosol was — so I did a quick search and found this definition from the CDC: aerosols are a suspension of tiny particles or droplets in the air (for examples, mists, dust, or fumes). These particles can be inhaled or absorbed by the skin and may cause adverse side effects to the individuals affected.

“Secondhand smoke” applies to this also — people passing by someone using an e-cigarette can inhale the fumes and also be affected. E-Cigarettes can also be used to deliver marijuana and other drugs.

The takeaways — the trouble with using e-cigarettes is similar to the trouble with teens using all substances. Teenage brains are still developing, and e-cigarettes affect the growth and development of parts of the brain. Another problem, that is e-cigarette specific, is false advertising. Companies may market their products as containing “0% nicotine” when in fact those e-cigarettes do contain nicotine. Both of these factors will contribute to the detriment of teenage brain development.