Health Effects

E-Cigarettes: e-cigs, e-hookahs, mods, vape pens, tank systems, vapes, ENDS
(electronic nicotine delivery systems) and JUULs.

Ingredients in the aerosol of e-cigarettes include: Nicotine (the addictive ingredient), additives for flavor (like diacetyl, associated with serious diseases of the lungs), carcinogens (chemicals linked to cancer), and various metals (such as lead and nickel). It is difficult for the user to determine exactly what the aerosol is made up of.
Nicotine is: extremely addictive, harmful to the development of adolescent brains, dangerous for pregnant women and toxic to their developing babies.
Malfunctioning batteries of the e-cigarettes have been reported to cause injuries due to fires and explosions.
Direct exposure to e-cigarette liquid can be poisonous to both children and adults.

Long Term Effects

Since e-cigarettes are relatively new, it will take many years to determine the true long-term effect of their use. However, some of the ingredients used in the flavorings are known contributors to serious health problems. Research has shown adolescent brains are most affected by the use of nicotine, which may lead to mood and mental disorders as well as drug-seeking behaviors.

The Law

The law prohibits the sale of and distribution of e-cigarettes, along with the distribution and redemption of coupons for e-cigarettes to persons under age 18. Tex. Health & Safety Code Ann. §§ 161.082 and 161.087 (2018)
No persons under the age of 18 years may purchase, use, or be in possession of e-cigarettes, unless out-lined exceptions apply. Tex. Health & Safety Code Ann. § 161.252 (2018)
Possession and use of e-cigarettes by students at, “a school-related or school-sanctioned activity on or off school property” shall be prohibited by school trustees and must be enforced by school personnel. Tex. Educ. Code Ann. § 38.006(b) (2018)
The law prohibits the use of e-cigarettes and vaporing devices during school hours along with before and after-school programs. This includes the premises, playground, transportation vehicles, and during field trips. 40 Tex. Admin. Code § 744.2603(d) (2018)

Tips To Quit

Research has found that smokers, who quit by age 30, can possibly have their health return to that of a non-smoker.
The physical withdrawal symptoms of quitting only last about 3 weeks.
Smokers who quit decrease their risk of developing certain cancers by 50%, this incudes cancers of the mouth, throat, bladder, and esophagus within 5 years, and lung cancer within 10 years.
Quitline number:
(1-800-QUIT-NOW)