Researchers uncover concerning trend among US teens: ‘They’re very curious’
A survey found that Tennessee teens are twice as likely to vape as adults and more likely than their peers in other states.
What’s going on?
WVLT 8 reported that the average youth vaping rate in the state is almost 30% higher than the rest of the country.
“A lot of it…is because of flavors,” Taylor Brower, Knoxville Health Department Tobacco Health Educator and Coordinator, told the station.
“They are very curious about what it tastes like, and often the big tobacco companies deliberately make the packaging very brightly colored and eye-catching.”
Why are e-cigarettes a concern?
E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, but they still come with many risks, especially for young people.
First of all, electronic cigarette products contain nicotine, an addictive substance. Accordingly YouthHealthThe nicotine in e-cigarettes can contribute to anxiety and depression, sleep problems, and lung problems.
Nicotine in e-cigarettes may also affect brain development in teens. MD Anderson Cancer Center.
But nicotine isn’t the only thing young people inhale when vaping. The aerosol from these devices may also contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including cancer-causing chemicals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
Additionally, many of these devices are designed to be thrown away, which contributes to environmental pollution. plastic pollutiontoxic e-waste and discarded lithium batteries (the latter is a major problem) fire danger in landfills and waste trucks.
What is being done about e-cigarettes?
There are a number of campaigns aimed at teaching parents and young people about the consequences of e-cigarettes and how to quit. One such program that WVLT 8 mentioned is the Knox County Health Department’s program. tobacco resource page.
Meanwhile, new research suggests that using plain packaging for e-cigarette products may deter children and teenagers from purchasing these products.
At the same time, many countries have either banned or are considering banning certain vaping products. For example, Costa Rica recently introduced a bill banning the import, sale, distribution and use of electronic cigarettes.
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