Final answer:
Battery-operated devices designed for inhaling nicotine vapor are known as e-cigarettes. They contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and diacetyl and are not regulated by the FDA. The use of e-cigarettes is particularly concerning among youth due to the enticing flavors and potential to lead to tobacco use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Battery-operated devices designed to deliver nicotine with flavorings and other chemicals in the form of vapor instead of smoke are commonly known as e-cigarettes or vaping devices. These products emit low amounts of aerosol, making them discreet to use, but they can be very harmful to health. E-cigarettes contain not only nicotine but also potentially dangerous chemicals such as formaldehyde and, in some cases, diacetyl, which is linked to a lung condition known as popcorn lung. Furthermore, the appealing flavors of e-liquids, like 'cotton candy' and 'Katy Perry's cherry,' are particularly attractive to the youth, raising public health concerns about their role as a possible gateway to smoking tobacco cigarettes.
It's important to note that e-cigarettes are not currently regulated by the FDA, and although some manufacturers claim their products to be free of harmful chemicals like diacetyl, this cannot be verified with certainty. If you're interested in the effects and regulation surrounding e-cigarettes, stay updated with legal changes as more research brings to light their health implications.