Who Is at Risk From E-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes pose the most risk to the following groups:

- Youth: E-cigarettes are particularly harmful to young people, whose brains are still developing. Nicotine can impair brain development, leading to lasting problems with attention, learning, and memory. E-cigarettes also contain other harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acrolein, which can damage the lungs and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

- Pregnant women: Nicotine can cross the placenta and harm a developing fetus. It can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

- Adults with certain health conditions: E-cigarettes can worsen underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Nicotine can also increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as the risk of stroke and heart attack.

- People who are trying to quit smoking: E-cigarettes can make it more difficult to quit smoking cigarettes, as they still contain nicotine and can reinforce the habit of smoking.

In general, e-cigarettes should be avoided by anyone who is not currently addicted to nicotine. If you are a current smoker, the best way to protect your health is to quit smoking altogether. E-cigarettes are not a safe or effective alternative to traditional cigarettes.