E-cigarettes are electronic devices that produce an aerosol by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine (the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products), flavorings, and other chemical s to help make the aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs. Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when the user exhales into the air. E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes.

They are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems.” Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “JUULing.” Some e-cigarettes looks like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items. Many e-cigarettes and vaping materials contain harmful or potentially harmful substances, and it is difficult to know what each individual product contains.

For resources, programs and information related to electronic cigarettes, flavored electronic cigarettes and vape products or the New Jersey Department of Health’s Electronic Cigarette and Vaping Campaign visit: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/tobacco/vaping/ or call the NJDOH Office of Tobacco Control (609) 292-8540.

For inquiries related to suspected cases of pulmonary disease related to vaping should be referred to the NJDOH Communicable Disease Service/Regional Epidemiology Program at (609) 826-5964.