E-Cigarettes

What are Electronic Cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes are devices that deliver commercial tobacco. They are powered by lithium ion batteries. There are two main components of an e-cigarette: 1) the battery-powered heating portion and 2) a cartridge that holds e-liquid containing the addictive substance, nicotine. Electronic cigarettes produce an aerosol made when the liquid (e-juice) within them is heated.

Electronic cigarettes go by a variety of common names, including vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, MODs, tanks, and e-pipes.

CDC: E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor.” It can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances.

What is Commercial Tobacco?

Commercial tobacco is tobacco that is manufactured by companies for recreational and habitual use and sold as cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, hookahs, and other products..

Man's hand holding vape and tobacco cigarettes over wooden desk

Man holding a vape pen (left) and four tobacco cigarettes (right)

What is Traditional Tobacco?

Traditional tobacco is tobacco and/or other plant mixtures that are grown or harvested and used by American Indians and Alaska Natives for ceremonial or medicinal purposes.

Please Note: All mentions of tobacco and e-cigarettes on this page refer to commercial tobacco and not traditional ceremonial/medicinal tobacco, unless otherwise noted.

rows of tobacco plants growing in a field

Tobacco plants growing in a farm field

Why are e-cigarettes so popular with kids?

CDC: In the United States, youth use e-cigarettes, or vapes, more than any other tobacco product.

Among U.S. students who currently used e-cigarettes, 87.6% used flavored e-cigarettes
What does the law say about e-cigarettes?
Federal Laws

In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began considering e-cigarettes a tobacco product and, as such, began prohibiting sales to minors. Specifically, the FDA Deeming Rule restricts youth access to tobacco products.

In 2018, FDA began requiring that e-cigarettes and advertisements for e-cigarettes display the following text: “WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.”

In 2019, the President signed legislation raising the federal minimum age for sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. This legislation — known as Tobacco 21 — was effective immediately. Later in 2024, federal rules were updated to mirror this legislation.

In 2020, the FDA began requiring that e-cigarette manufacturers to submit applications for marketing authorization prior to sale.

In 2020, the FDA issued an enforcement policy on unauthorized flavored cartridge-based e-cigarette products that appeal to kids, including fruit and mint flavors.

In 2022, the President signed legislation that grants FDA the authority to regulate synthetic nicotine products as tobacco products.

Report a potential tobacco violation to the FDA by using their online form, calling 1-877-287-1373, or sending an email to CTPCompliance@FDA.hhs.gov.

Michigan Laws

There are currently six public acts in Michigan that govern e-cigarettes.

Michigan Public Act 17 of 2019 (effective Sept. 2, 2019) defines "liquid nicotine" and "liquid nicotine container;" requires containers to meet a minimum safety standard; and requires retail vapor products to be stored in a locked case or behind the counter.

Michigan Public Act 18 of 2019 (effective Sept. 2, 2019) defines e-cigarettes, alternative nicotine products, vapor products, and other emerging tobacco products separately from tobacco products; prohibits sale to minors; and prohibits possession and use by minors.

Michigan Public Act 167 of 2022 (effective Aug. 17, 2022) amends the Youth Tobacco Act to raise the minimum legal sale of tobacco products, vapor products, and alternative nicotine products from 18 to 21, in alignment in with federal law.

Michigan Public Act 168 of 2022 (effective Aug. 17, 2022) prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from entering a tobacco specialty retail store or cigar bar.

Michigan Public Act 169 of 2022 (effective Aug. 17, 2022) amends a portion of the Michigan Penal Code to require agents who distribute tobacco through the mail to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age, revising the previous age limit of 18.

Michigan Public Act 170 of 2022 (effective Aug. 17, 2022) is an amendment to the Age of Majority Act of 1971, which prescribes the rights, liabilities, and responsibilities of individuals aged 18-20. The legislation states that the act will not apply to the Youth Tobacco Act, which now prohibits tobacco use for those under 21, rather than 18.

If you have questions about federal or Michigan laws related to e-cigarettes, please contact the MDHHS Tobacco Control Program at 517-335-8376.
E-cigarette health & safety concerns
Harmful effects of vaping poster (available from nimcoinc.com)

Nicotine is the main addictive substance in tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
Yes, There is Thirdhand Aerosol

Thirdhand aerosol is the cancer-causing residue form smoking or vaping that sticks or absorbed by surfaces. These surfaces can include — but are not limited to — carpets, furniture, skin, pet fur, bedding, and walls.

This residue may last for years, and it is very difficult to eliminate. It re-enters breathable air when disturbed and contains more than 250 harmful chemicals.

Thirdhand aerosol can increase the risks for cancers, reduce the body’s ability to heal injuries, damage cells, trigger asthmatic attacks, lower immune response, damage DNA, increase the risk for other chronic disease conditions, cause earaches, make respiratory illnesses worse, and cause headaches.

Thirdhand aerosol affects children and pets the most.

They breath in what lingers in the air (secondhand aerosol exposure).

Pets lick owner’s hair, skin and clothes that have absorbed residue.

Children will put parents’ hands, clothes and hair into their mouths.

Pets play with toys that have been exposed to e-cigarette aerosol and will eat scrapes off the floor that contains e-cigarette aerosol residue.

Children use toys and plates that have been exposed to aerosol and will place pacifiers, utensils, and food into their mouths.

Pets are also exposed to thirdhand aerosol exposures when they groom themselves and other pets in the home.
Children are also further exposed when they place their own hands, fingers, feet, and clothing into their mouths.
Governor Whitmer takes action to protect Michigan's youth
In September 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer took aggressive action to protect Michigan kids from the harmful effects of vaping, including making Michigan the first state in the nation to ban flavored nicotine vaping products.

MDHHS Finding of Emergency concerning vaping crisis among youth (Aug. 30, 2019)

Governor Whitmer Takes Bold Action to Protect Michigan Kids from Harmful Effects of Vaping (Sept. 4, 2019 News Release from the Executive Office of the Governor)

Retailers Have 14 Days to Comply with Emergency Rules (Sept. 18, 2019 MDHHS News Release)

Dr. Joneigh S. Khaldun's testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Hearing on “Sounding the Alarm: The Public Health Threats of E-Cigarettes” (Sept. 25, 2019)
Learn more about e-cigarettes and what you can do
The MDHHS Tobacco Section recommends the following resources for those who want to learn more about e-cigarettes and what can be done to lessen their impact on the health of our youth and communities.

The Basics About E-Cigarettes

E-Cigarettes (Vapes) (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes website (Parents Against Vaping E-Cigarettes)

Truth Initiative website (Truth Initiative)

Vaping Prevention Resources (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products)

The Toll of Tobacco in Michigan (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)

The 101 on E-Cigarettes infographic (American Heart Association)

Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free website (Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance)

E-Cigarette Use Among Youth (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Webinar: Michigan’s LGBT Community: Results of a First-Ever Tobacco Use Assessment Study, Including Electronic Devices (MDHHS, 2019)

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids website (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)

JUUL and Youth: Rising E-Cigarette Popularity (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)

JUUL and the Guinea Pig Generation: Public Health Concerns about Use by Young People (Public Health Law Center)

Model resolution and regulation to prevent the sale of e-cigarettes to minors and to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in smoke-free places (MDHHS)

Marijuana and Pregnancy infographic (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

Good Medicine Keepers – Honoring the Sacred Tradition of Tobacco (Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council)

Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan website (Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan)

Traditional Tobacco | Keep It Sacred (Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan)

How to Safely Dispose of E-Cigarettes: Information for Individuals (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

Fact Sheets

What You Need to Know About E-Cigarettes and Asthma (MDHHS)

English

Spanish

Are E-Cigarettes Safe to Use During Pregnancy? (MDHHS)

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about E-Cigarettes (MDHHS)

What You Need to Know about E-Cigarettes (MDHHS)

Vaping Marijuana and Synthetic Marijuana (MDHHS)

Quit Resources

Tobacco Dependency Treatment Programs/Cessation

For teens under 18:

My Life, My Quit (National Jewish Health)
Text “Start my Quit” to 36072 or call 855-891-9989. Free and confidential help to quit vaping, smoking or chewing.

For users 18 and older:

MI Tobacco Quitlink (National Jewish Health)
Sign up at https://michigan.quitlogix.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). Offers phone+online, online-only, or phone-only quitting programs in English or Español.

Next Legends ❘ Native Strong, Vape-Free (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Vaping: This is Quitting – A 24/7 Support Network (Truth Initiative)

Freedom from Smoking Program (American Lung Association)

Quit Services for State Government (Optum)

Quit the Hit – A Ready-Made, Instagram-Based Cessation Program to Help Young People Quit Vaping (Rescue Agency)

NOT for Me – My Path to Quit (American Lung Association)

Become a Smokefree Teen (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Resources for Parents

Protecting Youth from the Harms of Vaping – Parents and Caregivers (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Vaping Prevention & Education – For Parents: How to Talk About Vaping with Teens (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Vaping Conversation Guide (American Lung Association)

How to Tell if Your Child is Vaping (Partnership to End Addiction)

Tobacco is Changing – The Talk (Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

CATCH My Breath – Evidence-Based Youth Vaping Prevention Program (CATCH Global Foundation)

Resources for Schools (Teachers, Coaches, Counselors, Administrators)

Michigan Commercial Tobacco-Free and Vape-Free District Model Policy-2024 (MDHHS)

Michigan Commercial Tobacco-Free and Vape-Free Schools Model Student Code of Conduct – 2024 (MDHHS)

Michigan Tobacco-Free School Resources (MDHHS)

Template for Survey of Students & Parents Regarding E-Cigarettes & Vape Products (MDHHS)

Recommendations for Schools, Including Alternative to Suspension, for Dealing with Student Tobacco Use (MDHHS)

Coaches’ Resource – Be Aware: E-Cigarettes (MDHHS)

Michigan Model for Health Curriculum (Grades Pre-K-12) (MDHHS with Michigan Department of Education)

Regional School Health Coordinators in Michigan (Michigan School Health Coordinators’ Association)

Vaping Prevention & Education: Resources for Talking with Students (Scholastic and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Vaping Prevention & Education – For Teachers: Lesson Plans and Classroom Materials (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Vaping Prevention & Education – For Students: Classroom Assignments and Facts about Vaping (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Protecting Youth from the Harms of Vaping: Educators (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Empower Vape-Free Youth Campaign (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Student Commercial Tobacco Use in Schools: Alternative Measures (Public Health Law Center)

Vape-Free Schools Initiative (American Lung Association)

The Tobacco Prevention Toolkit (Stanford University, School of Medicine, Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab)

The Cannabis/Marijuana Awareness & Prevention Toolkit (Stanford University, School of Medicine, Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab)

CATCH My Breath – Evidence-Based Youth Vaping Prevention Program (CATCH Global Foundation)

E-Cigarettes and Vaping: What Schools Should Know (American Lung Association)

Exchange Lab — Evidence-based tobacco education print materials, web content and videos for use by state and local health officials, nonprofit organizations, and schools (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products)

The Vaping Prevention Toolkit (University of California, Merced, Nicotine & Cannabis Policy Center)

Alternative-to-Suspension Programs

INDEPTH: An Alternative to Suspension or Citation (American Lung Association)

Healthy Futures, an Alternative-to-Suspension Program (Stanford University, School of Medicine, Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab)

Healthy Futures: Cannabis Version – An Alternative-to-Suspension Program (Stanford University, School of Medicine, Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab)

Resources for Health Professionals and School Health Services

What Providers Need to Know About E-Cigarettes and Asthma (MDHHS)

Tobacco & E-Cigarettes (American Academy of Pediatrics)

E-Cigarettes and Vaping Toolkit (American Academy of Pediatrics)

E-Cigarettes& Vaping – What Teens Should Know (American Lung Association)

Guidelines for Tobacco Treatment and Secondhand Smoke Exposure (MDHHS)

Model Ordinances, Policies and Guidelines (American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation)