Information and Resources on Vaping

What are e-cigarettes/vaping devices?

These battery-powered devices that come in many different shapes and sizes, deliver varying level of nicotine, flavoring or THC (the psychoactive compound in marijuana) to the user in the form of an aerosol.

How prevalent is vaping by youth?

Vaping devices are more commonly used than traditional cigarettes by teens.  In York County, 46% of high school aged youth report having ever tried one (Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 2019).

Isn’t it just harmless “water vapor” being released?

Vaping devices allow the user to make large clouds that many think are just water vapor, but are in fact an “aerosol mist.” The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease, and heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead. Because of secondhand exposure concerns, in 2015 Maine passed a law banning the use of these devices in places smoking is already banned.

Can other substances besides nicotine be vaped?

Yes, marijuana can also be vaped. This can be done by either using a concentrated oil or simply placing the marijuana inside the device (not all devices allow this).

Maine Updated E-Cigarette Regulations:

Latest E-Cigarette Regulations in Maine Rules, regulations, restrictions and more.

Resources for schools:

PowerPoints to be used in the classroom, handouts, policy resources and more.

Resources for parents:

Learn more about vaping and how to talk with your kids about the risks. 

Youth-specific quit resources:

Maine resources:

  • This is Quitting Youth Texting Program: Text MAINE to 88709. This is Quitting is a free, confidential texting program with evidence-based tips to help
    13-24 year olds quit vaping. Download a postcard with talk tips and other free Maine tobacco quit resources.

National resources:

  • Smoke-Free Teen from the National Institutes of Health includes information for teens on quitting vaping, dealing with triggers and cravings, etc.

In the news:

Video: Students Are Hiding Vaping Devices In Plain Sight
Outbreak of Lung Disease Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
Vaping Has Reversed The Decline Of Tobacco Use Among Maine Students
How To Help Teenagers Quit Vaping
The Price of Cool: A Teenager, a Juul and Nicotine Addiction
‘I Can’t Stop’: Schools Struggle With Vaping Explosion
Teens inhale cancer-causing chemicals in e-cigarettes
Maine School Officials Alarmed About Rising Popularity of Vaping
High School Kids Use E-Cigarettes to Smoke Cannabis: Study