Parents: Talk to your child about vaping.

An NPR Life Kit episode reports about one in five 17–18 year olds vaped in the past year and that many e-cigarettes contain high nicotine levels, which increase the risk of addiction.

E-cigarette use among teenagers remains common even as cigarette smoking has fallen. The Life Kit episode cites long-running surveys and expert interviews showing vaping peaked around 2019 and remains high among older teens. Many vapes contain much higher nicotine concentrations than a single cigarette, and experts say that raises the risk of addiction and is linked to respiratory symptoms. The episode combines expert commentary with a young person’s experience to describe health impacts and quitting supports. Key points: - Prevalence: Experts cited about 23% of 17–18 year olds reporting a vape in the past year, roughly one in five. - Nicotine and health: Several e-cigarettes can deliver far more nicotine than a cigarette (an example given was 5% or about 40 mg versus roughly 1–2 mg per cigarette); vaping has been linked to wheezing, lung harms, and possible effects on the developing brain. - Advice and supports: The episode reports experts recommending early, calm conversations between parents and children and notes peer-based programs and social-media groups have helped some teens attempt to quit. Summary: Vaping remains common among older teens and is associated with higher nicotine exposure and measurable lung symptoms in some users. Research into long-term effects and teen-specific quitting methods is ongoing. Undetermined at this time.