Many teenagers in the area have tried and used tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Sarah Smith, prevention specialist with MECCA Services, says according to the Iowa Youth Survey in 2012 about 13 percent of 11th graders had used tobacco in the past 30 days and 16 percent had ever tried tobacco, which is lower than the state’s 18 percent average.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, last year more than a quarter-million middle and high school students had never smoked regular cigarettes but had used e-cigarettes. This is three times more than 2011. Smith explains the negative effects of e-cigarettes includes a faster heart beat and constricting the blood vessels, also there are harmful chemicals in the vapor that comes off of the e-cigarettes and the liquid does contain nicotine.
For more information about teen tobacoo use, e-cigarettes and programs to help people quit using tobacco listen to today’s Washington Page with Smith.