The American Heart Association is working with over 100 schools across the country to give students the opportunity to demand accountability by e-cigarette companies for spending millions marketing products directly to youth. Thursday launches the American Heart Association’s national #QuitLying Day, with schools holding conversations and pushing for change across the country. Events will continue through Jan. 31.
The number of teens who vape has more than doubled in just the past two years, to 5 million, according to the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey.
More than one in four high school students report vaping. E-cigarettes come in thousands of flavors that strongly appeal to kids, including “strawberry watermelon,” “cotton candy” and “mint berry.” Ninety-seven percent of current youth who vape report using a flavored product.
"Despite what teens have been told, vaping products are not safe for youth," officials said. "In addition, e-cigarettes can contain unusually high levels of nicotine – in fact, one e-cigarette pod can contain at least as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. Youth who vape are particularly susceptible to nicotine addiction, which rewires the developing brain."
All concerned members of our community are encouraged to visit QuitLying.org and sign the American Heart Association’s letter to Big Vape demanding change for the youth health.