Teens using disposable e-cigs
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) recently declared youth use of disposable e-cigarettes an emerging public health challenge in a letter submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine. The letter cited 400 percent and 1,000 percent increases in disposable e-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students between 2019 and 2020.
Disposable e-cigarettes are devices that come ready to use and are then discarded once the user is finished with them. They are not refillable. Many are flavored and feature colorful designs.
Wisconsin’s Tobacco is Changing campaign’s newest ads focus on products gaining traction with young people, including disposable e-cigarettes, and e-cigarettes disguised as smart watches and makeup compacts. The campaign also informs parents about hoodies and backpacks that hide e-cigarette devices. One video highlights the fact that disposable e-cigarettes contain hundreds of puffs of nicotine.
“These products continue to evolve and we know that flavors are attractive to Wisconsin youth,” said Jenna Flynn, coordinator for the Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin. “While disposable e-cigarettes have been on the market for some time, it’s important for parents to know about them. Our retailers have an important role to play too.”
Parents and youth advocates, along with retailers and their employees can familiarize themselves with samples of disposable e-cigarettes and other tobacco products gaining in popularity with youth by visiting www.tobaccoischanging.com. Visitors can also find out about tactics like fruity flavors and shiny packaging, learn about resources to help teens quit, and get connected with local prevention efforts.
WITobaccoCheck.org can help tobacco retailers make a difference in preventing a whole new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. the organization applauds retailers who don’t sell to minors and take pride in training their employees to make a difference. The community is healthier because of the efforts of responsible retailers who don’t sell tobacco products to minors.
“These are just a few great resources to help our community remain healthy as tobacco continues to be a problem in Wisconsin,” said Flynn. Anyone addicted to tobacco products can get free help by calling 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669). Readers can get involved with the Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin by visiting the website.
