E-Cigarette Dangers: A Message from the Surgeon General

Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, U. S. Surgeon General, issued an important message about the possible dangers of e-cigarette use especially by young people since “Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Brain development begins during the growth of the fetus in the womb and continues through childhood and to about age 25.”

The report indicates that e-cigarettes are unsafe for young people and have potentially harmful effects from the chemicals in the products. Possible risks include risks to the brain, the respiratory system and other bodily systems as well as behavioral risks (risk of addiction and/or use of other tobacco products and/or alcohol and other substances). Since 2011 the use of e-cigarettes among youth has increased from less than 2% to about 16% (an 800% increase). Indications are that marketing to youth has increased and 85% of all e-cigarettes use flavors that encourage use among teens. For more information and a message from the Surgeon General click here. http://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov