Someone might think that the individual using an e-cigarette or vape is the only person at risk for breathing in nicotine, heavy metals, and cancerous chemicals from the aerosol. That is not true though.

There are two major ways that aerosol from e-cigarettes can spread into the air and affect the health of others.

Secondhand Aerosol

The first way is through something called secondhand aerosol, similar to secondhand smoke from cigarettes. Common places for exposure to secondhand aerosol include:

restaurants

parks

vehicles

and designated smoking areas

Click on the “i” icons to read more details below.

Thirdhand Aerosol

Exposure to secondhand aerosol can lead to cancer, respiratory infections, and make someone’s asthma worse among other problems.

Another way that e-cigarettes/vape pens pose a danger to people other than the user is through thirdhand aerosol.

Thirdhand aerosol is the mixture of chemicals in e-cigarette/vape pen aerosol that remain on surfaces and in dust, even after the aerosol is gone, and can react with other chemicals in the environment to form toxic chemicals.

Watch this 40 second video that explains thirdhand aerosol in more detail.

Clearing the Air

Why is it an Aerosol and Not a “Vapor”?

The idea of vaping something makes you think that e-cigarettes only release harmless water vapor. Watch the video below from a young person explaining the difference between a water vapor and aerosol.

Video Credit: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

If you are unable to view this video in the course please check out the video here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWY-As9PTWo&feature=youtu.be

How Are E-Cigarettes Addicting Young People Faster?

Do you know the differences between mod and pod e-cigarettes/vapes? Knowing the differences are important to understanding how the industry has made newer devices more youth friendly. Click and drag the box statements that apply to either mod, pod, or both e-cigarette devices.