A review of toxic effects of electronic cigarettes/vaping in adolescents and young adults. (2nd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Overbeek, Daniel L.; Kass, Alexandra P.; Chiel, Laura E.; Boyer, Edward W.; Casey, Alicia M. H.
• Is Part Of: Critical reviews in toxicology. Volume 50:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 531
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2020-07-02
• Subjects: THC -- nicotine -- EVALI -- vaping associated lung injury -- electronic cigarettes -- adolescents -- young adults -- tetrahydrocannabinol -- addiction -- e-cigarette -- tobacco; Toxicology -- Periodicals; Poisons -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1794443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-8444

Abstract

Abstract: In this review, we examine the known and suspected toxicity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in adolescents and young adults, to improve awareness of risks and identification of complications of their use. The use of e-cigarettes, or "vaping, " is exploding among the pediatric population. E-cigarettes heat a solution containing a psychoactive compound, most commonly nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with flavorings and other additives to a vapor, which users inhale. Since their introduction in the early 2000s, e-cigarette use is now prolific among youth, per the Monitoring the Future survey, with over 40% of high school seniors reporting use within the past year. Adolescents are vulnerable to the risks of e-cigarettes, as they are targeted as new consumers with advertisements and flavoring compounds, and are not utilizing them as a means to smoking cessation. The pulmonary risks of vaping are rapidly emerging, with the most immediately alarming being the condition electronic-cigarette/vaping associated lung injury (EVALI). Additionally, there have been more recent studies showing extrapulmonary effects including cardiovascular, immunologic and neuro-developmental effects. Many of these effects are likely dose-dependent. Public health efforts are urgently needed to decrease or eliminate new e-cigarette initiation, and support should be established to assist current e-cigarette users with cessation. We strongly advocate for the elimination of e-cigarette flavorings and advertising directed at adolescents, and call for physicians to be cognizant of this expanding epidemic.