Why e-cigarettes are more dangerous than we think | Shreya Chattopadhyay | TEDxYouth@Conejo

Summary

This script discusses the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among teens, and the potential health risks associated with their use. It compares e-cigarettes to traditional cigarettes and hookah pipes, highlighting the lack of regulation and the marketing strategies that target younger audiences. The script also touches on the FDA's proposed 'deeming rule' and the importance of staying informed about the contents and potential dangers of e-cigarettes.

Takeaways

• 🚭 The term 'vape' refers to the use of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes.
• 🌐 E-cigarettes gained significant popularity in the United States, with sales reaching $2 billion in 2013.
• 📈 In 2014, 17.1% of teens in the U.S. reported using an e-cigarette, compared to 13.6% who reported using traditional cigarettes.
• 🏭 Many e-cigarette companies have been acquired by large tobacco companies, which influences their marketing.
• 🔍 The FDA found detectable levels of carcinogens in some e-cigarette liquids, contradicting the perception of e-cigarettes as safe.
• 🏥 Studies from the University of Rochester and Johns Hopkins University have shown that e-cigarette liquid can damage lung tissue.
• 🚫 E-cigarettes are often marketed without clear labeling of their contents, and 'nicotine-free' products have been found to contain nicotine.
• 🍬 E-cigarettes are available in various flavors, potentially appealing to a younger audience and contributing to normalization.
• 📉 The FDA proposed the 'deeming rule' to regulate e-cigarettes, which would provide oversight on ingredients and sales restrictions.
• ⚠️ There are currently limited age restrictions on e-cigarette purchases, with online sales often bypassing these regulations.

Q & A

What is the slang term for electronic cigarettes?

The slang term for electronic cigarettes is 'vape'.

How do hookah pipes work?

Hookah pipes work by burning a mixture of tobacco and molasses and running it through cold water, creating carcinogens that are inhaled.

What is the main difference between how cigarettes and e-cigarettes work?

Cigarettes burn tobacco, creating harmful carcinogens, while e-cigarettes vaporize liquid inside cartridges, which is perceived as safer.

What is one of the main compounds found in most e-cigarette liquid cartridges?

One of the main compounds in most e-cigarette liquid cartridges is polyethylene glycol, which is an FDA-approved substance.

Who patented e-cigarettes and in what year?

E-cigarettes were patented by Chinese inventor Hon Lik in 2003.

What percentage of teens in the United States reported using an e-cigarette in the last year according to the 2014 data?

17.1 percent of teens in the United States reported using an e-cigarette in the last year in 2014.

What is the connection between e-cigarette companies and large tobacco companies?

Many small independent e-cigarette companies have been bought out by large tobacco companies, meaning the same people profit from both products.

What did the FDA study in 2009 find about e-cigarettes?

The FDA study in 2009 found that many e-cigarettes had detectable levels of different carcinogens.

What have recent studies by the University of Rochester and Johns Hopkins University found about e-cigarette liquid?

Recent studies have found that e-cigarette liquid can damage lung tissue and harm lung cells.

What is the 'deeming rule' proposed by the FDA?

The 'deeming rule' is a bill proposed by the FDA that would put e-cigarettes under their jurisdiction, allowing for regulation on what ingredients they contain and who can purchase them.

What is the current situation regarding the legal purchase of e-cigarettes by teenagers in the United States?

In ten US states and Washington DC, teenagers can legally buy e-cigarettes, and in almost every US state, they can be purchased online, often without effective age verification.

Outlines

00:00

🚭 E-Cigarettes: The New Trend Among Teens

This paragraph introduces the speaker's initial encounter with e-cigarettes during their sophomore year of high school. It explains that e-cigarettes, also known as vapes, have gained significant popularity, especially in the United States. The speaker contrasts the traditional hookah pipes, which produce carcinogens by burning tobacco and molasses, with e-cigarettes that vaporize liquid, avoiding the production of such harmful substances. The paragraph also highlights that e-cigarettes contain FDA-approved substances like polyethylene glycol and have been on the market since 2007, with sales reaching $2 billion by 2013. The speaker expresses concern over the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teens, with 17.1% reporting use compared to 13.6% for traditional cigarettes, and notes the influence of large tobacco companies in the e-cigarette market.

05:02

📉 The Deceptive Marketing of E-Cigarettes

The second paragraph delves into the marketing strategies of e-cigarettes, which are strikingly similar to those of traditional cigarettes, often featuring stylish and attractive individuals to promote the products. The speaker points out that many e-cigarette companies have been acquired by large tobacco companies, leading to a conflict of interest in advertisements claiming e-cigarettes are a healthier alternative. The paragraph also discusses the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, citing studies that found carcinogens and nicotine in e-cigarette liquids, despite many being marketed as nicotine-free. There is a concern that the flavored e-cigarettes are targeting a younger audience, potentially normalizing smoking behavior. The speaker concludes by discussing the FDA's proposed 'deeming rule', which would regulate e-cigarettes, and emphasizes the importance of being informed about the contents and health implications of e-cigarettes before making decisions about their use.

Keywords

💡Vape

Vape refers to the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol, often referred to as vapor, produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. In the context of the video, 'vape' is introduced as a slang term for electronic cigarettes, highlighting the rise in popularity of these devices among teenagers. The video addresses the misconception that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with e-cigarettes.

💡E-cigarette

An e-cigarette, also known as an electronic cigarette, is a handheld electronic device that simulates the experience of tobacco smoking. It works by heating a liquid, which usually contains nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine, and flavorings, to produce an aerosol that the user inhales. The video discusses the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes, especially among young people, and the potential health concerns due to the lack of regulation and transparency about the ingredients used.

💡Hookah

A hookah, also known as a waterpipe, is a traditional method of smoking in which the smoke is passed through water before inhalation. The video contrasts hookah smoking with e-cigarette use, noting that while hookah involves burning tobacco, e-cigarettes vaporize a liquid, leading to a different set of health risks. The script uses hookah as a point of comparison to explain the appeal and potential dangers of e-cigarettes.

💡Carcinogens

Carcinogens are substances or agents that can cause cancer. The video script mentions that hookah pipes create carcinogens through the burning and cooling process of tobacco and molasses mixtures. It also points out that e-cigarettes, despite being marketed as a safer alternative, have been found to contain detectable levels of carcinogens, which challenges the perception of their safety.

💡Polyethylene Glycol

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a compound that is FDA approved and is one of the main ingredients found in e-cigarette liquid cartridges. The video script highlights that PEG is used in e-cigarettes as a base for the liquid, contributing to the vapor production. It is presented as an example of a substance that is considered safe but is part of a broader mix of chemicals in e-cigarettes that may have unknown long-term health effects.

💡Atomizing Device

An atomizing device is a component of e-cigarettes that heats the e-liquid to create an aerosol or vapor. The video describes the parts of an e-cigarette, including the atomizing device, which is crucial for the functioning of the device. It is the mechanism that transforms the liquid into vapor, allowing users to inhale without combustion.

💡Hong Lik

Hong Lik is a Chinese pharmacist and inventor who is credited with patenting the modern e-cigarette in 2003. The video script mentions Hong Lik as the inventor of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the relatively recent origin of the technology. His invention has had a significant impact on the tobacco industry and public health discussions.

💡Teens Kick Ash

Teens Kick Ash is a program mentioned in the video script where the speaker attended to learn about tobacco and other drugs, including e-cigarettes. The program is used as a context to discuss the marketing strategies of e-cigarettes and the potential influence on youth. It serves as an example of educational initiatives aimed at informing teenagers about the risks associated with vaping.

💡Nicotine

Nicotine is an addictive substance found in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The video script discusses the presence of nicotine in e-cigarettes, even in those marketed as 'nicotine-free'. It raises concerns about the addictive nature of e-cigarettes and their appeal to younger users, contributing to a potential resurgence of nicotine addiction among teens.

💡Deeming Rule

The Deeming Rule is a proposed regulation by the FDA that would bring e-cigarettes under the FDA's jurisdiction, similar to tobacco products. The video script discusses the potential benefits of the Deeming Rule, such as requiring labels on e-cigarette cartridges, regulating the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, and providing a framework for understanding the ingredients in e-cigarettes. It is presented as a possible solution to the lack of regulation and oversight in the e-cigarette industry.

Highlights

The term 'vape' became popular among high school sophomores, referring to electronic cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, or vapes, work by vaporizing liquid instead of burning tobacco, which is perceived as safer.

Hookah pipes create carcinogens by burning tobacco and molasses mixtures, unlike e-cigarettes.

E-cigarette liquid cartridges often contain FDA-approved polyethylene glycol.

E-cigarettes were patented by Chinese inventor Hon Lik in 2003 and gained popularity in the US market by 2007.

In 2014, 17.1% of US teens reported using e-cigarettes, compared to 13.6% using traditional cigarettes.

Many small e-cigarette companies have been acquired by large tobacco companies.

E-cigarette marketing strategies mirror those of traditional cigarettes, using similar visuals and messages.

An FDA study in 2009 found detectable levels of carcinogens in many e-cigarettes.

Recent studies suggest e-cigarette liquid can damage lung tissue and harm lung cells.

Many e-cigarettes marketed as nicotine-free have been found to contain nicotine.

E-cigarettes are often marketed with flavors appealing to a younger generation.

There is no requirement for e-cigarettes to label their contents, and existing labels can be incomplete.

The FDA proposed the 'deeming rule' to regulate e-cigarettes, which would provide transparency on ingredients and control sales.

Currently, in ten US states and Washington DC, teenagers can legally purchase e-cigarettes.

Online sales of e-cigarettes often bypass age restrictions, as age verification is not consistently enforced.

The speaker urges everyone to stay informed about e-cigarettes and make decisions based on credible information.

Transcripts

at the beginning of my sophomore year of

high school I started hearing a new word

around campus

time to go vape people said vapor dye

now being a relatively innocent

sophomore I didn't exactly know what

this was but as they eventually figure

it out and as I'm sure most of you know

a vape is a slang term for an electronic

cigarette for an e-cigarette in recent

years ecig arrests have grayned

incredible popularity especially in the

United States but what exactly is an

e-cig and how do they work

now before I address this question I'd

like to talk about a more established

technology called a hookah pipe hookah

pipes work by burning whatever mixtures

inside them usually a mixture of tobacco

and molasses and running it through cold

water this combination of burning and

cooling creates carcinogens that the

person then inhales that is detrimental

to our health

a cigarettes on the other hand don't

work like that

nothing is burned rather ecig arrests

work by vaporizing the liquid inside the

cartridges this then prevents these

harmful carcinogens and leaves leads to

their perception is safe in fact one of

the main compounds in most

cigarette liquid cartridges is

polyethylene glycol which is an FDA

approved substance

this is what e cigarette looks like it

contains of the atomizing device which

liquidize is the liquid the inhaler the

container the battery and light and

since they were patented by chinese

inventor hong lik in 2003 yeast occurs

have gained incredible popularity they

were introduced to the US market in 2007

and in 2013 their sales reached 2

billion dollars in 2014 we learned that

17.1 percent of teens in the United

States reported using an e-cigarette in

the last year whereas only 13 point 6

reported using an actual cigarette so

it's clear to see but these cigarettes

are becoming very relevant in today's

society so I think in February of last

year Newbury Park journalism program

went to a program called teens kick ash

clever name I know at teens kick ash we

listen to a variety of lectures about

tobacco and other drugs one of these was

easy arrests and when I learned there

shocked me for one thing although small

independent Ethernet companies many of

them have been bought out by large

tobacco companies this means that when

you see commercials that say stop

smoking cigarettes smoke east cigarettes

they're better for you it's the same

people getting the money in fact what's

interesting is that the marketing

strategies for e-cigarettes and

cigarettes are largely the same if you

look at this commercial both of these

commercials feature a woman stylist she

dress looking cool and suave one of

them's for e-cigarettes and one of

them's for cigarettes it's the same with

this one handsome man on the front

looking happy with an e-cigarette or a

cigarette it's interesting that it's not

even just visual it's also the same word

what worked in the past is working again

essentially so right now you're probably

thinking so what why does it matter if

the same people are getting the money

when these cigarettes aren't bad

the problem with this is that's not

entirely true

in 2009 the FDA did a study on

e-cigarettes and they found that many of

them had detectable levels of different

carcinogens than the ones found in

hookah pipes in tobacco

recent studies by the University of

Rochester and by Johns Hopkins

University have found that e-cigarette

liquid actually can damage lung tissue

and harm our lung cells the problem is

that there's just a new technology that

we don't know what's in them

in fact many ecig arrests being marketed

as nicotine free have actually had

detectable levels of nicotine found

inside of them along with this and they

come in a variety of flavors so they're

being marketed to a younger generation

what we know is that these cigarettes

aren't required to label what's inside

of them there's no requirement for

labels and labels that do exist aren't

always complete in fact the Miguel

Martin who's the president of an

e-cigarette company called logic told

NBC last year that apart from the labels

on these cigarettes there's probably

other chemicals in them he just doesn't

know so the problem with this is that e

cigarettes are being marketed largely to

teenagers

back when cigarettes were the cool thing

smoke there was flavored candy that

looked like cigarettes

now there's flavored ecig arrest many

researchers are concerned that this will

lead to a society where smoking is

acceptable again even if it's in the

electronic form

now last year the FDA proposed a bill

called the deeming rule which would

essentially put e cigarettes under their

jurisdiction

if the deeming rule is adopted we'll be

able to finally know what goes in each

cigarette cartridges we'll be able to

know what we ought to have comprehensive

regulation on who can buy them because

right now there's not essentially right

now in ten US states and Washington DC

teenagers can completely legally go out

and buy an e-cigarette in almost every

US state we can buy them online which

essentially negates any age restriction

because the University of North Carolina

I did a study that found that out of 98

attempts to buy e cigarettes online by

teenagers only five were stopped on the

Bret on the basis of age so age

verification isn't something that's

happening so if the FDA adopts the

deeming rule many of these problems will

be fixed we'll hopefully know within

cartridges we'll hopefully know who can

buy them and when but until then I urge

everyone to stay informed on

e-cigarettes stay informed about what

those around you and what you are

smoking and to never make a decision

that's not based off of credible

information