E‐liquids and vaping devices: public policy regarding their effects on young people and health

Advani, Ira N; Perez, Mario; Crotty Alexander, Laura E

doi:10.5694/mja2.51362

Topics

Knowledge about the composition and physiological effects of e‐liquids is essential for assessing their effects on health

The popularity of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) has surged in the past few years, and it is estimated that 1.2% of Australians now use them.1 While the main premise in support of e‐cigarettes is that they are safer for smokers than conventional tobacco products, a considerable proportion of users are, unfortunately, never‐smokers or young people.2,3 In 2020, about 3.6 million young people in the United States reported current e‐cigarette use,2 and in 2017, 14% of secondary school students in Australia were reported to have ever used e‐cigarettes.3

1 University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States of America
2 VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States of America
3 University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States of America

Correspondence: lcrotty@ucsd.edu

Acknowledgements:

Laura Crotty Alexander was supported by VA Merit, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute R01, and Tobacco‐Related Disease Research Program pilot awards.

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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