No slow down of youth e-cigarette use over pandemic
A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms what many in public health have long feared, that despite the COVID pandemic, youth continue to use e-cigarettes in record numbers.
The CDC study, which used data from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, found that two million U.S. middle and high school students reported currently using e-cigarettes in 2021. Additionally, 85% of those youth reported using flavored e-cigarettes, and disposable e-cigarettes were reported as the most popular e-cigarette device.
While their fruit and candy flavors may lull teens into thinking they’re safe, e-cigarettes carry real health risks for young people. For instance, the nicotine in e-cigarettes damages adolescent brains, specifically the parts of the brain that control learning and memory. Youth who use e-cigarettes are also more likely than their peers who don’t use e-cigarettes to eventually become regular cigarette smokers.
A new resource available to help teens quit e-cigarettes is the Live Vape Free text line. Teens can access free help by texting VAPEFREE to 873373. Additionally, parents and guardians can also learn more about e-cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products targeted towards youth at tobaccoischanging.com. The site features information on different tobacco product types, tactics used to attract youth like flavors and packaging, and policies that can help prevent youth from using e-cigarettes and commercial tobacco products. Adults looking to quit commercial tobacco can also call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW for free help, or if they’re a Medicaid recipient, they can talk to their doctor about the free quitting assistance provided through the Medicaid cessation benefit.
The Waushara County Health Department is an active participant in the WI Wins program. This program aims to prevent youth tobacco use by reducing initiation opportunities. Through the pandemic, the Health Department has provided education to retailers on the importance of verifying identification during tobacco purchases and ensuring sales are not occurring to those under 21.
For more on tobacco prevention and control efforts in Wisconsin, visit www.wiwins.org.
