Critical reviews in toxicology
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Crit. Rev. Toxicol. · Jul 2020
ReviewA review of toxic effects of electronic cigarettes/vaping in adolescents and young adults.
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. ⋯ 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.