IT'S NOT JUST VAPOR
While cigarette smoking has been steadily declining in the United States, many alternative nicotine delivery products have been gaining popularity. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC April 2015), current e-cigarette use among middle and high school aged students tripled from 2013 to 2014. And nicotine exposure at a young age may cause lasting harm to brain development, promote addiction, and lead to sustained tobacco use. (CDC April 2015).
Recent health reports reveal that e-cigarettes are just a new nicotine delivery device that may cause serious potential health problems because of the chemicals and toxins they contain. They sold online making them easily accessible to youth. Many e-cigarettes come with vapor flavorings such as bubble gum, banana pudding, cotton candy; flavors that many suspect are aimed at youth.
OUR SOLUTION
YRCP members involved in the Youth Anti-Vaping Campaign conduct research on the health effects of e-cigarettes and vaping. They also meet with representatives from their local health departments for specific data on e-cigarette use in their communities.
YRCP youth are creating anti-vaping Public Service Announcements (PSAs), posters and memes. The anti-vaping PSAs are disseminated through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.