Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigs)

Electronic cigarettes, more commonly called e-cigarettes or e-cigs, have become increasingly popular among the general public. An e-cigarette is a device designed to simulate smoking a tobacco cigarette. It contains an atomizer or heater and cartridge that work together to release flavored vapor, often used to deliver nicotine. Many people see ‘vaping' as a harmless alternative to smoking tobacco, but using e-cigarettes carries many health risks.

• The majority of e-cigarette ‘juices' contain nicotine, the most addictive substance known to humans. Even those that claim to be nicotine free may not be.
• E-cigarettes contain many different ingredients that can cause respiratory distress and irritate soft tissues in the throat, lungs, and eyes.
• There are numerous dangerous chemicals in e-cig vapor, including many that are in cigarettes as well as several that aren't.

• E-cigarettes and their ‘juice' cartridges have been found to contain particles, whiskers, and pellets of tin and other metals, which could end up in a user's lungs.
• E-cig exhale and vapor contains many of the chemicals in the original inhale, including formaldehyde, meaning passersby are exposed to ‘secondhand vapor.'
• Some claim e-cigarettes are an effective way to quit smoking, but quit rates of e-cig users are no higher than average, and the FDA has not approved e-cigarettes as a safe or effective method to help smokers quit.
• Fluids containing nicotine are poisonous, especially to children, and can be toxic if swallowed in even small amounts.

• Don't start using e-cigarettes. Even if you use "nicotine free" juice, it still carries risks and may sometimes still contain nicotine, leading to addiction.
• If you want to quit smoking tobacco cigarettes or end a nicotine addiction, considering using FDA regulated NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) in the form of pill, patch, or lozenge. 
• To make an appoinment for smoking cessation call the SHC at (707) 654-1170.

• Still Blowing Smoke
• California Smokers' Helpline - 1 (800) N0-BUTTS

• American Lung Association - 1 (866) 761-4806