Take the 2024 Community Needs Survey

Network of Care    Food Inspection Scores    We are hiring Join Our Team    Community Health Improvement Plan    Performance Management Dashboard Link  

Vaping

Tobacco Cessation

What's in a name?

E-cigarettes, vapes, e-cigs, vape sticks, vape pens, ego cigarettes, Juuls, PVs, pods, mods, cig alikes: all different names for the same device.

Just like their name, vaping devices come in all shapes and sizes.

Vaping


What's in a vape? Are they safer than traditional cigarettes?

E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor.”
The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:

  • Nicotine
  • Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
  • Flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
  • Volatile organic compounds
  • Cancer-causing chemicals
  • Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.

It is difficult for consumers to know what e-cigarette products contain. For example, some e-cigarettes marketed as containing zero percent nicotine have been found to contain nicotine.

Vaping


Why is nicotine so dangerous?

  • Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain. The brain keeps developing until about age 25.
  • Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
  • Each time a new memory is created or a new skill is learned, stronger connections – or synapses – are built between brain cells. Young people’s brains build synapses faster than adult brains. Nicotine changes the way these synapses are formed.
  • Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.

How can I prevent my child from using vapes or help them stop?

Set a good example by being tobacco and nicotine-free.

Talk to your children about why vapes are harmful. Start the conversation early. This tip sheet can help.

Let your child know you want them to stay away from all tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes, because they aren't safe.


Quitting: you don't have to do it alone.

Text line to help you quit vaping or tobacco.

We are happy to provide your office with materials you can display or use to begin a conversation with your patient about quitting tobacco. You can order tobacco prevention and cessation materials by contacting our health education specialist at (208) 799-3100 or visiting Idaho Health Tools.

Referral Program - The U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence 2008 Update recommends providers use the 5As method (Ask, Advise, Asses, Assist & Arrange Follow-Up) to help treat tobacco dependence. However, the 5As may be too time consuming for providers. Therefore, we recommend providers consider using the 2As & R method; Ask, Advise & Refer. If you are interested in referring your patients to our program, please contact our Health Promotion Program Manager at 208-799-3100.

Cessation Materials - We are happy to provide your office with materials you can display or use to begin a conversation with your patient about quitting tobacco. Complete the Cessation Materials Order Form (linked) or contact our Health Promotion Program Manager at 208-799-3100 to request materials.

Cessation Classes - We partner with several community organizations to hold tobacco cessation classes on site. If your organization is interested in offering classes, please contact our Health Promotion Program Manager at 208-799-3100.


Free Resources

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

988

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24/7 CALL, TEXT, CHAT

Public Health - Idaho North Central District
215 10th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501

Phone: (208) 799-3100
Fax: (208) 799-0349

Idaho Careline: 211

EPI ISSUES: 1-800-632-8000
For medical emergencies dial: 911.

Disclaimer

All information is general in nature and is not intended to be used as a substitute for appropriate professional advice.

For more information please call (208) 799-3100 or Idaho Careline: 211.

Idaho Public Health

Public Health Shield Logo