E-Cigarette Use Among Youth in Iowa

Electronic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery products are battery-operated, heating elements that individuals use to inhale nicotine products rather than traditional cigarettes or cigars (Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2020). E-cigarettes can also be used to inhale illicit drugs such as marijuana. Electronic cigarettes can resemble traditional cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, while other products may look like pens, USB sticks, or mods (larger tanks) (CDC, 2020). The e-cigarettes have an atomizer or heating element that helps individuals inhale liquid nicotine vapors. Electronic cigarettes were developed as a potential health tobacco cessation product and thought to reduce the health risks associated with nicotine use. E-cigarette use has gained significant popularity in the United States among youth. They comprise of the largest demographic utilizing these products making e-cigarette use among youth “an epidemic” (CDC, 2020). Little is known about future use trends or long-term risks for youth at this time