What are E-Cigarettes, Vapes, and Other ENDS Products?

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), commonly known as vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), e-cigars, and e-pipes, are diverse tobacco products designed to deliver nicotine. These devices use an “e-liquid” containing nicotine from tobacco, flavorings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and other substances. The liquid is heated to produce an aerosol that users inhale.

ENDS products can resemble traditional cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, but many look like pens or USB flash drives. Larger devices, like tank systems or mods, often do not resemble cigarettes at all. These products can be either reusable or disposable, depending on the design.

Health and Safety Information on E-Cigarettes and Vapes
As ENDS products remain on the market longer, more information about their health impacts becomes available. This includes data on youth usage, which has led to educational programs aimed at preventing adolescent and teen use. The FDA collects reports on tobacco product issues and violations, providing insights into the potential health and safety hazards of these products.

Are E-Cigarettes a Lower-Risk Alternative to Traditional Cigarettes?
While e-cigarettes might offer a lower-risk alternative for adult smokers, they are not without risks. These products contain harmful chemicals and nicotine, which is highly addictive. Extensive research on the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes is still needed.

For adults who smoke, completely switching to e-cigarettes might reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. However, dual use of both products can result in health risks similar to or greater than exclusive cigarette smoking. The FDA has authorized certain e-cigarette products after rigorous scientific review, finding them to meet public health standards.

Youth Use and Prevention Efforts
The FDA monitors tobacco product usage rates through annual youth surveys, noting a significant increase in youth e-cigarette use. This has prompted the FDA to prioritize prevention through policy-making, enforcement, and education. The agency offers resources such as the “Resources for Professionals About Vaping & E-Cigarettes” toolkit to help adults educate youth about the risks of vaping.

“The Real Cost” E-Cigarette Prevention Campaign
The FDA’s public education campaign, “The Real Cost,” aims to prevent youth from starting tobacco use. Since 2017, the campaign has focused on e-cigarette prevention to address rising youth vaping rates, educating teens about the health consequences of smoking.

FDA Tobacco Education Resource Library
The FDA’s Tobacco Education Resource Library provides resources for state and local health officials, nonprofit organizations, and schools. It includes the Vaping Prevention and Education Resource Center, which offers science-based materials for teachers to educate students about the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction. The resource center also provides content for parents and teens, available in both English and Spanish.

E-Cigarette Problems and Potential Violations
All tobacco products, including ENDS, pose risks. The FDA has received reports of safety issues with vaping products, such as overheating, fires, explosions, lung injuries, and seizures. These incidents can harm users and those around them. If you experience adverse health or quality issues with any tobacco product, report it to the FDA to help identify concerning trends and causes.

Safe Disposal of E-Cigarettes
The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides guidelines for the safe disposal of e-cigarettes. It is crucial not to dispose of e-cigarettes in household trash or recycling. Instead, take them to a household hazardous waste collection site.

Information for Manufacturers and Retailers
The FDA regulates the manufacture, import, packaging, labeling, advertising, promotion, sale, and distribution of ENDS products. This includes components like e-liquids, cartridges, atomizers, batteries, and flavorings. Manufacturers must comply with specific requirements, and the FDA’s Office of Small Business Assistance offers resources to help small businesses understand these regulations.

Retailers also play a crucial role in preventing youth tobacco use. The “This is Our Watch” program provides resources to help retailers comply with FDA regulations, ensuring they do not sell tobacco products to anyone under 21. Disposable Vape shops that mix e-liquids or modify products may be considered manufacturers and must comply with additional requirements.

For more information on authorized ENDS products, visit the FDA’s “Searchable Tobacco Products Database.”