CDC study reveals that over 10 percent of young adults are regular vape users

A recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that more than 10% of Americans aged 18-24 are regular e-cigarette users. This raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with nicotine exposure at a young age.

According to the CDC, around 4.5% of all Americans use vapes, but this percentage more than doubles to 11% among young adults. The agency emphasizes that the human brain does not fully develop until the age of 25, and nicotine could have a negative impact on this development.

While e-cigarettes may aid in smoking cessation, the study found a concerning trend of users, particularly young individuals, engaging in both cigarette smoking and vaping interchangeably. E-cigarette use is more prevalent among those under 25, while cigarette smoking is more common among older Americans.

The study states, “Dual use of tobacco products is a health concern because it may result in greater exposure to toxins and worse respiratory outcomes than using either product alone.”

Furthermore, a report from the American Heart Association (AHA) highlights the risks of long-term e-cigarette use, stating that it can damage the heart and lungs.

The AHA adds, “E-cigarettes deliver numerous substances into the body that are potentially harmful, including chemicals and other compounds that are likely not known to or understood by the user.”

The AHA further cautions, “There is research indicating that nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are associated with acute changes in several hemodynamic measures, including increases in blood pressure and heart rate.”

The CDC study also reveals that vape usage is more prevalent among white Americans, accounting for over 14% of users, compared to Latino, Asian, or Black youth in the same age group and those in lower income brackets. The study also finds higher usage among men compared to women.

This research is based on 2021 data from the National Health Interview Survey. The study considers an e-cigarette user as someone who vapes “every day” or “some days.”