- Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor from a device. The device is filled with vape liquid, it heats up, the liquid is vaporized into millions of tiny droplets, and then inhaled.
- Vaping devices can be used to consume any liquid, including liquid THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Users can also create their own e-juice. Since the aerosol produced from a vaping device is usually odorless and evaporates quickly, it is impossible to know what product is being used in a vaping device, thus exposing bystanders to unknown substances and particulates.
- Commonly perceived as a healthier or safer option than traditional cigarettes, there are unique health risks associated with vaping devices and research is currently being performed to look at the potential long-term effects of vaping device use.
Types of vaping devices
- E-Cigarette: This first generation of vaping devices often has a similar appearance to that of a cigarette. They come in both disposable and rechargeable forms. They can emit a light that resembles the burning of tobacco when the user puffs from it. They also tend to be the least expensive of the vaping devices.
- Vape or vaporizer pens: The second generation of vaping devices resembles the shape of a pen and comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Like e-cigarettes, there are disposable and rechargeable devices and most are refillable.
- Mechanical Modified Nicotine Delivery Systems (MODs): MODs are larger in shape and size. MODs consist of many customizable parts that allow users to individualize the device. MODs are rechargeable or have replaceable batteries and typically hold more liquid for vaping. MODs are the most expensive type of device with some setups costing hundreds of dollars.
- Vapor products are also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)
What’s in the liquid?
- The liquid, know as e-liquid, e-juice, nic- juice, smoke juice, smoke oil, or vape juice, comes in a variety of flavors (over 7,000) that can appeal to adults and youth alike. This liquid typically contains nicotine as well as many other chemicals that may be dangerous when atomized. But it’s not flavored air.
- The liquid solution used in vaping devices is unregulated. There are no labeling requirements concerning any nicotine content and there are no packaging requirements to protect children from opening containers of the product. The liquid solution is often sold in bright and colorful packaging and is available in many flavors that appeal to children.
*All liquid nicotine products should be stored out of reach of children. If you suspect a person has been exposed to liquid nicotine, call the Washington Poison Center at 1.800.222.1222 or seek medical help immediately.
- Summary of Washington State and Federal Vapor Product Regulations (ESSB 6328):Concerning youth vapor product substance use prevention, and vapor product regulation, without permitting a tax on the sale or production of vapor products.
- Implementation of ESSB 6328 | Frequently Asked Questions
- Implementación de ESSB 6328 | Preguntas frecuentes
- Grant County Health District Ordinance 2014-2: Beginning on January 1, 2015, rules and regulations of the GCHD restricting the sale, marketing, use, and availability of electronic vapor devices and e-liquid.
- Explanatory Letter | English | Spanish | Korean
- Do You Sell Tobacco or Vapor Products? | English | Spanish | Korean
- Don’t Sell Tobacco or Vapor Products to Youth | English | Spanish | Korean
- Summary of Washington State and Federal Vapor Product Regulations