Exploring the surge in teenage vaping habits

In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes has become a topic of significant concern, particularly among teenagers. A study examining surveys and studies done in various states, including Wisconsin, can help determine the size of the teen e-cig problem.

According to data, e-cigarette usage among high school students increased by a staggering 78% between 2017 and 2018. This surge has raised alarm bells among educators, parents, and health officials.

One of the companies at the forefront of this trend is Juul, which has been accused of marketing e-cigarettes with youth-centric advertising and manufacturing flavoured aerosols attractive to minors. Companies like Juul have deep ties with big tobacco, with Altria, the maker of Marlboro, having poured nearly $13 billion into Juul and owning a 35% stake in the company.

The habit of vaping is still addictive, due to the presence of nicotine in most vape pens. This addictive nature, combined with the allure of flavoured aerosols, has led to concerns about the long-term effects on developing brains.

The inhaled aerosol from e-cigarettes contains fewer harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes, but it is not without side effects. E-cigarette companies often portray vaping as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, but the inhaled aerosol is not without side effects.

In response to the rising teen usage, some states have taken action. Vermont, for example, imposed a 92% tax on e-cigarette purchases to curb teen usage. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is considering granting e-cigarette companies tax breaks for building a new assembly plant, but the search results do not provide specific data on the size of the youth group affected or the factors contributing to the state's decision.

School administrators in Nebraska cite the rise in teen vape use as the main reason for the new drug test standards. A school district in Nebraska plans to scan for nicotine in drug tests of students to curb e-cigarette use. However, the ACLU has come out against the proposed drug test standards in Nebraska, arguing that underage nicotine possession should not be on a drug test.

The issue of e-cigarettes has also reached the political arena. San Francisco has become the first U.S. city to ban the sale of e-cigarettes, giving e-cig companies six months to sell their remaining stock before the ban takes effect. The ban on e-cigarette sales was instated by city legislators in San Francisco, where Juul Labs corporate headquarters is located.

Gaining insight into how governmental PSAs played a role in curbing smoking rates could help in understanding the impact on youth vaping. It could be awhile before we fully understand which approach is the most effective in curbing youth vaping. If teen e-cig rates are low, it could be an interesting story to determine contributing factors. After all, the battle against teen e-cigarette use is far from over.