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Health officials report increased rates of teen vaping and recommend proven strategies to protect youth
(Oregon City, OR, Aug. 16, 2022) — Today, Clackamas County issued a public health advisory raise awareness of health risks associated with the skyrocketing rates of teen vaping. While teen use of conventional cigarettes has fallen dramatically over decades, use of e-cigarettes has surged to nearly 30% among teens.
Flavored nicotine use among youth is an epidemic across the country, state and in the local community. The Portland metro region is experiencing the same epidemic of flavored nicotine use, though the problem is even more pronounced in Clackamas County. These products are dangerous to teens and have shown to lead to the future use of conventional tobacco products.
“The percent of teens in Clackamas County who vape has increased by more than four times since 2013,” said Philip Mason-Joyner, Clackamas County Public Health Director. “In fact, over 26% of Clackamas County 11th grade students report using e-cigarettes or tobacco products, which is the is the highest rate in the region.”
“Tobacco companies have a long history of using predatory methods to deliberately attract specific groups, including people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQ communities,” said Christina Bodamer, Co-Chair of the Clackamas Public Health Advisory Committee. “Fortunately, we know from what’s worked in other communities that there are proven strategies we can pursue locally to protect youth from the dangerous, life-long health impacts caused by vape and tobacco products.”
In addition to issuing a public health advisory, Clackamas Public Health underscored the importance of pursuing strategies and polices proven effective in other communities to meaningfully reduce access and use of nicotine products. Proven strategies include:
- Removing nicotine from school zones
- Banning the sale of flavored nicotine and tobacco products
- Restricting promotional product pricing
Links
- Public Health Impact Report on the Dangers of Youth Vaping
- Public Health Advisory: Protecting Teens from E-Cigarettes & Flavored Nicotine
- Don't Lean on Nicotine
Additional Resources
The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line helps you create a quit plan to get ready, take action and live tobacco-free. Quit Coaches, many of whom are former smokers, never pressure you to quit before you're ready.
- English: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or QUIT NOW
- Español: 1-855-DEJELO-YA (1-855.-35356-92) or DEJARLO AHORA
- TTY 1-877-777-6534
Learn about the “Don’t Lean on Nicotine” campaign and join the local effort to help local youth quit vaping:
- For help quitting, text GO VAPELESS to 88709
- Help spread the word by visiting www.clackamas.us/publichealth/dont-lean-on-nicotine