Most young adult e-cigarette users report vaping in vehicles

The majority of past 30-day young adult e-cigarette users reported vaping in vehicles (60.6%), as well as being exposed to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol in vehicles (69.3%), according to a study from Truth Initiative. 

Researchers found that those who reported higher e-cigarette dependence scores and lived in small metro and nonmetro areas were more likely to report vaping in vehicles. Those who were more financially comfortable, reported living with a tobacco user, or in a small metro or non-metro area were more likely to be exposed to secondhand e-cigarette exposure in vehicles.   

Like exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, exposure to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol can carry serious risks due to the presence of harmful chemicals. Children exposed to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol are more likely to have symptoms of asthma, anxiety, and depression compared to those who are not exposed to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol.  

Key takeaways from this study

• Many people who use e-cigarettes vape in their vehicles. The study showed that 60.6% of 15-25-year-olds who reported e-cigarette use in the past 30 days also reported vaping while traveling in a vehicle. Nearly 70% of young people who reported e-cigarette use in the past 30 days also reported being in a vehicle where someone else was vaping. 
• Greater nicotine dependence predicted vaping in vehicles. Young people who reported greater nicotine dependence were more likely to report vaping in vehicles. Males and those identifying as Hispanic or Latino were less likely to report vaping in vehicles.  
• Perceived financial situation and residential area are associated with exposure to vaping in vehicles. Specifically, people who were making ends meet financially with a little left over, live with a tobacco user, or live in a small metro or non-metro area had higher odds of being exposed to secondhand e-cigarette aerosols in vehicles. 

Call for greater outreach on the harms of vaping in vehicles

While some U.S. states ban smoking cigarettes in vehicles when children are present, few extend policies to vaping nicotine in vehicles. Clean indoor air laws and policies that address smoking and vaping in vehicles are needed to protect bystanders and vulnerable populations from the potentially toxic substances present in e-cigarette aerosol.  

Study findings also demonstrate a need to raise public awareness about the health consequences of e-cigarette use in vehicles.