E-cigarette use has increased considerably in recent years, particularly among young adults. Seen as a safe alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes allow users to inhale nicotine in the form of vapor rather than smoke and therefore are sometimes referred to as “vapes” or “vape pens.” The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are not yet fully understood given their recent invention in 2003. However, there are several known health and safety risks associated with e-cigarette use, such as nicotine poisoning, lung injury, and bodily harm from battery fires and explosions. Since e-cigarettes are a relatively new product, it is important to monitor e-cigarette use as a way to improve our understanding of both immediate and long-term health risks associated with vaping.
State Health Compare presents annual, state-level rates of adults who smoke e-cigarettes based on findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). These rates can be broken down by education level, race/ethnicity, and age group. BRFSS defines e-cigarette use as individuals who currently use e-cigarettes some days or every day.
