Vaping In The News – What To Know About The Youth Vaping Epidemic
Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director | September 26, 2019
Vaping is national health epidemic. In recent weeks there have been multiple deaths and a soaring number of lung illnesses in states across the nation linked to vaping – including the first confirmed case in our state, which involves a minor. Oklahomans are right to be concerned.
We need to protect our youth and be informed. Here is information about vaping, how it’s affecting Oklahoma’s children, and resources you can use to talk to kids or your community about the dangers of e-cigarettes.
- One big news story recently is that, due to the alarming rate of deaths and medical cases tied to vaping, the CEO of popular e-cigarette maker JUUL announced his resignation. But while this may seem like a “win,” he is being replaced by the former chief growth officer of tobacco giant Altria, stripping away any doubt that JUUL is Big Tobacco.
- Youth use has increased at an alarming rate. The [U.S. surgeon general declared] this a national health epidemic. In fact, 1 in 6 Oklahoma teens uses e-cigarettes. It is the most common tobacco product among high school and middle school students. Kids have reported vaping as early as 12.
- Vaping is HIGHLY addictive. JUUL is the most popular e-cigarette. It comes with replaceable juice pods that, when heated, create an aerosol teens inhale. One pod has as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes, setting kids up for a lifetime of addiction.
- Four out of five kids who have used tobacco say they started with a flavored product. Flavors mask that “tobacco” taste. In addition, the juice is often sold in kid-friendly packaging.
- Lastly, Tobacco Stops With Me has resources to help you and your family. We want to provide you tips on talking about vaping with your children. We have fact sheets and posters for schools. The key is to stay informed and talk with your kids, so they know the dangers of vaping
Learn more about the youth vaping epidemic or download our fact sheets about the dangers of vaping.
Latest news concerning vaping and e-cigarettes:
- First Oklahoma Case of Vaping-Associated Lung Injury Confirmed
- JUUL CEO resigns, suspends advertising
- ‘I wasn’t even a smoker before’
- Teenage Vaping Rises Sharply Again This Year
- Schools, health experts struggling with how to stop teen vaping: Punish or treat?
- Will Patients With Lung Illnesses Linked To Vaping Make A Full Recovery? (NPR)
At TSET our mission is to improve health and quality of life through accountable programs and services that address the hazards of tobacco use and other health issues. Tobacco Stops With Me, a program of TSET, educates Oklahomans about the dangers of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. What you can expect from us is expert insight about tobacco control and prevention, relatable perspectives to show that we’re all in this together in the fight against Big Tobacco, and research and facts you can trust because they are scientific and evidence based.
Learn what it is like to quit vaping from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline.