-
Essay / Electronic cigarettes: a risky alternative to smoking
Children can be exposed to electronic cigarettes by using the product or being exposed to the ingredients. Children and adolescents are known to imitate the behaviors of adults, so seeing adults using these products may encourage them to smoke e-cigarettes. These products are available as brightly colored devices, sometimes decorated with fake gemstones and cartoon characters, which will appeal to children and possibly adults. The liquid used in e-cigarettes contains nicotine and flavorings that are often available in flavors that would appeal to children, such as watermelon and bubble gum. Liquid nicotine is known to have toxic effects if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin (Trimarchi & Cassidy, 2011). Children who come into contact with liquid from these devices can become very ill (American Association of Poison Control Centers [AAPCC],