Key Points

Vapes are an e-cigarette that has a battery powered device that converts liquid nicotine into an aerosol (or vapour) that the user inhales.

E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke.

They work by heating a liquid (called an e-liquid) that typically contains nicotine.

Some common street names are:

• Puff Bars
• E-cigs
• Vape Pens
• Elf Bars

Vapes are also advisable if you are trying to quit smoking tobacco or cigarettes as they do not contain the carcinogenic ingredients of tobacco and cigarettes.

The Law

It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under 18.

It is illegal for adults to buy vapes for anyone under 18.

The Effects and Risks of Vaping

One vape contains as much Nicotine as 20 cigarettes. Nicotine is a stimulant drug and highly addictive. Nicotine addiction can lead to headaches, vomiting and stomach pains

Nicotine addiction in children severely affects the brain and can lead to the brain to be more impulsive and affect decision making skills.

Nicotine withdrawal can happen within 3 or 4 hours. Effects of this are irritability, difficulty concentrating and low mood.

Failing to quit can often lead people to become depressed and affect self-esteem.

Many vapes contain high levels of sugar, this effects teeth and can lead to tooth decay, coughing and shortness of breath along with dizziness and sore throats.

LONG TERM EFFECTS NOT KNOWN AT THIS POINT.

Ultimately if you don’t smoke don’t start Vaping!