Local use among youth
7% of 8th graders, 9% of 9th graders, and 17% of 11th graders reported past-month e-cigarette use (Winona County – 2022 Minnesota Student Survey). E-cigarette use is most often referred to as “vaping”.
The minimum legal consumption age when an individual can purchase tobacco products is 21.
Why youth vaping is harmful
Although many students still choose not to “vape”, one of our concerns is that students and adults are not aware of the risk and harms associated with e-cigarette use. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance.
Although it was originally sold as a tobacco cessation device to help quit cigarette smoking, e-cigarettes are branded with thousands of flavors appealing to youth. One e-cigarette device pod can be the equivalent of a pack of standard cigarettes. There are also at least four known cancer-causing chemicals found in the most popular brand e-cigarettes.
Support your teen
How to talk with your kid about vaping: