Electronic cigarettes, little cigars, smokeless products, and sweet candy flavors make up the new generation of addictive tobacco products. Tobacco companies are designing new products to help hide addiction in plain sight. Tobacco is changing faster than ever before, making it hard for parents to recognize tobacco when they see it and tougher to talk to your kids about the terrible damage tobacco products can do.

Around 70% of teens say mental health issues like anxiety and depression are a major problem for young people their age. They often struggle to cope in healthy ways, turning to vapes and e-cigarettes instead. This is an issue because studies have shown nicotine to worsen anxiety and depression.

While traditional cigarette smoking rates have decreased, the use of vapes has taken its place. E-cigarettes come in many different shapes and sizes. These new devices can be hard to recognize, so it is important to know what to look for.

  • Many disposable e-cigarettes come in bright colors and slim designs, looking similar to highlighters

  • Some e-cigarettes look like USB flash drivers, credit cards, small cell phones, or guitar picks

  • Strange batteries, charging equipment, coils, or other spare parts you don’t recognize

  • Sweet scents, like bubble gum, watermelon, or chocolate cake, that don’t have a clear source

  • Unexpected online purchases or packages in mail

96% of teens who’ve used e-cigarettes tried them before age 13

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96% of teens who’ve used e-cigarettes tried them before age 13 🚬

E-cigarettes are so new, doctors and scientists are still studying the risks. This means that many people are using products that are not fully understood. However, we do know some of the health risks associated with using e-cigarettes.

  • “Tobacco-free” synthetic nicotine products can still be very addictive and often contain more nicotine than plant-based tobacco products

  • Some of the most popular e-cigarette pods can contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes

  • E-liquids can contain heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

  • Diacetyl, a flavoring found in many e-liquids, has been linked to lung disease

  • Nicotine can harm the portions of the brain that control attention and learning

  • Teens that use e-cigarettes are 3x more likely to become cigarette smokers

To learn more about the Tobacco Is Changing campaign or e-cigarettes visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging/index.htm.