With the rise in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette, e-cigs or vapes) and vaping use among youth, teens and young adults, the Health Department and our team are working to prevent initiation and reduce vaping of all substances in Vermont. As of 2021, 16% of Vermont high school students said they used e-cigarettes at least once in the past 30 days. Of those students, 30% did so daily. Students who smoke cigarettes, tried flavored tobacco before age 13, binge drink or use cannabis vape at the highest rates. Disparities exist among sub-population groups.
Vapes contain harmful metals, such as arsenic and lead. As e-cigarettes deliver flavorings, additives, and, typically, nicotine through an inhaled aerosol, they are harmful to both the user and those who are exposed secondhand. We follow the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation urging those who influence youth, young adults and people who are pregnant to discourage nicotine use in any form, including e-cigarettes.
