Tobacco & Nicotine

Washington State Quitline 24 hours, 7 days a week Anonymous Free support for quitting Call 1-800-Quit-Now or text READY to 200-400

Overview

The chemicals from cigarette smoke and vaping, damage the human body regardless of age. As they do deliver nicotine in different ways, both vaping devices and combustible cigarettes cause addiction. Nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco and one of the most heavily used addictive drugs in the United States. When a person inhales cigarette smoke or the aerosol produced by vaping devices, the nicotine rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream and starts affecting the brain. Nicotine prays on the reward system of the brain and is responsible for feelings of pleasure, making the person disregard the damaging health effects that come with it.

Besides Nicotine, cigarette smoke and vaping aerosol contain more than 4,000 substances. The information below outlines the health effects of various Tobacco and Electronic products.

Health Effects
Electronic Cigarettes ( "E-Cigs" "Vapes" "E-Hookahs" "Vape Pens" "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)" "Mods" "Tank Systems"	E-Cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Some look like a regular cigarette or cigar and can also be confused with USB, pens, or other everyday items. Using an e-cigarette is commonly referred to as "Vaping". Most have a battery, heating element, and a place to hold E-Liquid. E-Liquid is a combination of concentrated Nicotine, Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), and Flavorings. E-Liquid can come in a pre-filled cartridge or in a separate e-liquid bottle. When E-Liquid is heated the aerosol the user breaths can be filled with potentially harmful substances due to the chemical change of the ingredients. Ultrafine particles can make their way into the lungs along with volatile organic compounds and cancer-causing chemicals.	The health effects of E-Cigarettes are still fairly new and scientists are still learning more. Nicotine is found in almost all products, even in trace amounts in "No-Nic" products claiming they have no nicotine. Read the label closely and conclude for yourself. Nicotine is extremely addictive and hard to quit. Withdrawal symptoms often stop people from quitting, however, there are many resources below that can help! Cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles reach deep into the lungs, putting the user at high risk for long-term health effects such as lung cancer or COPD. Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead can be stripped from the device and damage the lungs. A Nicotine addiction can interfere with relationships and put a strain on school and work. For more information on the health effects of E-Cigarettes visit the CDC Website HERE.
Menthol and Cigarettes	Tobacco companies add menthol to make cigarettes seem less harsh, however, they are just as dangerous as non-menthol cigarettes.	Smoking has many destructive effects on a person's body. The list below is only a few of the health effects as smoking can cause disease in every organ of the body. Cancer. Smoking can cause an increased risk of many types of cancer. Heart Disease. Cigarette smoking has been linked to coronary heart disease. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), causes progressive breathlessness and cough. Stroke. Smoking increases the risk of stroke. For more information on Menthol and Cigarettes visit the CDC website HERE.
Heated Tobacco Products	Heated tobacco products are new to the US. They are often marketed as "Heat-not-burn" because they heat up the tobacco leaf and do not cause combustion. They differ from an E-Cigarette as they heat the actual Tobacco leaf whereas e-cigarettes heat an e-liquid.	More research needs to be done on this product. For more information and details on Heated Tobacco Products, visit the CDC website HERE.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke can affect everyone at every age. Now with the evolution of E-Cigarettes, secondhand vapor and third-hand transmission can also harm innocent people.

Secondhand smoke is smoke from burning tobacco products and is breathed out by a person smoking. Secondhand vapor is the same concept, except the aerosol that is breathed out can also settle on surfaces creating third-hand transmission if someone touches a surface where the aerosol has settled.

For more information on Secondhand smoke visit the CDC website here.

What is the bottom line?

Cigarette Smoking, E-Cigarette Use, Other Nicotine Delivery Devices and Secondhand smoke/vapor cause disease, disability, and death.

There are amazing resources out there to help those challenged with Nicotine addiction.

Quit Resources

Quitting can be difficult but there are proven treatments and resources that can help. Smoking and "Vaping" lead to many preventable diseases but these resources can help anyone quit today!

Washington State Quitline	Read. Set. Quit. Tested over 25 years helping millions of people! 1-on-1 support to beat urges, manage withdrawal symptoms, and switch habits so you can enjoy life tobacco-free. Call 1-800-QUITNOW or start chatting at their website at quitline.com or Text READY to 200-400
2Morrow Health Smartphone App	Free, Anonymous, Self-guided app-based program! For all ages and can help with Vaping specific or Smoking & Tobacco. Available in Spanish as well. Just visit their website HERE and click Sign up!
This is Quitting	Text-to-Quit vaping program for young people ages 13-24. From the Truth Initiative. Text VAPEFREEWA to 88709 so sign-up!
Tips From Former Smokers	FREE Tips and Tools to Help you Quit. Real Stories. Visit the website HERE
Live Vape Free Program	Focused on supporting parents and other concerned adults with the Vaping epidemic. Tips, Tools, and Resources for ongoing support. Live Chat or email with coaches who can answer questions and offer support. Visit MyQuitForLife.com
SmokefreeTXT	Receive text messages with tips, advice, and encouragement to help you overcome challenges and stay motivated. Text START to 47848 or visit the website at smokefree.gov

Teen Link	A help line for teens, by teens. Find support for yourself, a peer, your child, a teen in your life. Call or text 1-866-Teenlink, Chat at teenlink.org
Become an Ex	Imagine life without tobacco! Developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. Get customized quit plans, support text messages, Interactive guides and tools, advice and tips. Register at becomeanex.org
N-O-T for Me	My Path To Quit, from the American Lung Association. Create an Account or Login at notforme.org