If your partner “vapes” or uses e-cigarettes, with or without nicotine, you might be at risk for inhaling harmful secondhand “smoke.” E-cigarettes don’t produce actual smoke, but they do produce emissions with aerosol particles that contain nicotine, glycerin, artificial flavorings, and preservatives.
E-cigarettes are electronic devices that vaporize liquid nicotine and other substances to be inhaled. Since e-cigarettes were not initially regulated by FDA, the ingredients in the devices were originally unlabeled. Recent findings show that, with or without nicotine, e-and other forms of vaping can be harmful. As of 2018, e-cigarette packages must contain a warning label if they contain nicotine, an addictive chemical. In addition, using an e-cigarette to inhale vape oils that contain cannabidiol (CBD) is not permitted for Military Service Members and can be dangerous to your health.
Your partner’s e-cigarette habits can potentially impact the health of both of you. If you’re concerned about the unknown impact of e-cigarettes, have an open conversation about the topic. Consider the following tips:
- Become knowledgeable about what’s known and unknown about e-cigarettes and nicotine before bringing up the conversation.
- Gently bring up the topic. Start with something such as “I was wondering if we could talk about my concerns around e-cigarettes?”
- Mention that you’ve been reading about the health implications of e-cigarette vaping. You’ve grown concerned about how much is unknown and the potential harm.
- Suggest coming up with a plan to minimize vaping indoors and especially around those who prefer to avoid inhaling the secondhand emissions.
- Offer to support your partner’s plan to cut back on or quit using e-cigarettes.
- Express appreciation for supporting one another’s health.