Introduction:

Electronic cigarettes were introduced in the market in 2003. Since then they have become a device broadly used worldwide with an important commercial activity. Unfortunately, they have an equivalent or even greater risk for multiple harmful health outcomes when compared with conventional cigarettes. Nevertheless, these devices are perceived less harmful or addictive, and are more socially accepted. Additionally, most users belong to the teenage population, which is characterized by greater vulnerability due to the ongoing neurodevelopment process.

Objective:

Conduct a thematic review of the electronic cigarettes, their regulatory policies, consumption patterns and described associations with mental health.

Methodology:

A search for secondary studies was conducted in PubMed and SciELO databases using MeSH, DeCS and free terms. Review results were performed according to the aimed topics for evaluation. Finally, 54 articles were obtained after the screening process.

Discussion:

The influence of nicotine on adolescent brain development is well described, just as their consumption trend and the regulatory measures that have been implemented. The high risk for mental health in adolescents that represent electronic cigarettes, added to poor regulations in our country, generates the need to strengthen prevention and intervention systems for nicotine consumption, as well as stringent commercial policies against its sale modalities.

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