The Leader article: Dire CDC Warnings Prompt Vaping Response [Leader, Sept. 11] outlines the problem of youth vaping in schools. The reality is that nicotine addiction is not confined to one place. This issue calls for a bigger community response.

The article reports that 4% of students vape, which is true of 6th graders in Jefferson County. Although this rate seems relatively low, any vaping by youth is harmful. The WA Healthy Youth Survey reports that nearly 39% of Jefferson County 10th graders have used vapor products in the past 30 days. This figure is alarming, along with the e-cigarette flavors and advertising that targets youth with many of the same themes that have led to youth cigarette smoking. The majority of adult smokers started before they were 18 years old, and teens who vape are more likely to start smoking cigarettes.

Adolescence is an important time for brain development and nicotine exposure in youth can cause addiction and harm the developing brain. Vaping exposes lungs to volatile organic compounds, ultra-fine particles, cancer causing chemicals, heavy metals and nicotine.

Additionally, there have been 450 possible cases of severe lung disease related to vaping in over 33 states, including six deaths, according to Dr. Kathy Lofy, WA State Health Officer.

Policies can help combat the problem: Starting January, 2020, WA Tobacco 21 raises the legal age to buy tobacco and vapor products to 21. Prohibiting flavorings in vapor products is another measure being explored. The Jefferson County Board of Health is considering changing the “No smoking in public places” ordinances to include prohibiting vaping in similar places.

Resources include: your healthcare provider, the School Based Health Centers, and school Student Assistant Professionals, the CDC, the Truth Initiative’s e-cigarette quit texting program by texting “DITCHJUUL” to 88709.

For more information, go to: Jeffersoncountypublichealth.com

Karen Obermeyer
Port Townsend