Vaping dad places new baby at risk

Dear Amy: Our grandson vapes. And he has a new baby at home.

I feel that chemicals and nicotine are in his hair and skin and on his clothes and that this is bad for the baby, but I cannot find any definitive answers about vaping in general.

What do you think, and what can I say to get him to quit this bad habit? — Worried Gran

Dear Gran: Unlike cigarettes, which are at least a uniform size, there is a tremendous variety in vaping delivery systems, and the products they use.

Nicotine — the primary hit in most vaping products — is definitely harmful to children.

The America Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org) warns that any exposure to nicotine, including secondhand exposure from vaping, poses a risk for children.

He should at the very least wash his hands thoroughly (and change his shirt) before cuddling with his baby.

He is doing the right thing in keeping his home smoke-free (he should also not vape in his car). He should take special care to store his vaping products securely. Accidental ingestion of concentrated nicotine and chemical-laced liquid from vaping pods is occurring with increasing frequency. According to a 2016 study published by the AAP, Children exposed to e-cigarettes had higher odds of having a severe outcome than children exposed only to tobacco cigarettes. One child’s death has been reported in association with a nicotine liquid exposure.

Do not focus on trying to force your grandson to quit this habit — honestly, whether or not he vapes is his own business.

His instincts to protect his baby from nicotine exposure in the home are positive. Congratulate him for having good dad-instincts, but urge him to take his efforts to the next level.