Five Things About Vaping and Electronic Cigarettes

• NCJ Number: 306964
• Date Published: August 2023
• Length: 2 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2018-75-CX-0036; 2016-DN-BX-0150; 2014-R2-CX-K010
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Factsheet
• Award: Characterization and Abuse of Electronic Cigarettes: The Efficacy of a Personal Vaporizer as an Illicit Drug Delivery System; Chasing the Electronic Cigarette Dragon - Characterizing the Evolution and Impact of Design and Content; Through the E-Cigarette Looking Glass: The Impact of Vaping Ethanol on DUI Investigations

Annotation

This fact sheet from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) presents research into electronic cigarettes and vaping.

Abstract

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have expanded in popularity since first entering the U.S. market in 2006. E-cigarettes convert a liquid solution into an aerosol that users inhale — a process known as vaping. Vaping has emerged as a serious public health issue that has dramatically changed the substance use landscape. Recent research on vaping has shown: 1. Personal vaporizers are being used to inhale drugs other than nicotine; 2. E-cigarettes can deliver most drugs of abuse effectively and with increased potency; 3. Users often unknowingly consume unlabeled solvents and other chemicals through vaping; 4. E-cigarette technology has evolved, and consumer demand has expanded faster than regulatory action, leaving significant gaps in consumer knowledge and awareness; and 5. For effective prevention and treatment purposes, public health and public safety stakeholders must understand the impact of vaping in their communities.