DPH launches campaign to reduce teen vaping

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has launched a campaign to educate the public, particularly parents and school officials, about the sharp increase in teen use of vaping products (e-cigarettes).

“The New Look of Nicotine Addiction” campaign’s website describes what vaping is, the adverse health effects, how parents should treat these products if their children are vaping, and what efforts school systems can pursue.

Statewide data from 2015 indicate that nearly one-quarter of students are vape users, while less than 8 percent smoke cigarettes. The data indicate that while efforts to reduce tobacco use have been successful, misperceptions about vaping, coupled with the hundreds of flavors available, have reversed some of the successes in reducing youth nicotine addiction.

For more information about municipal efforts regarding vaping, contact D.J. Wilson at the MMA.