The decline in traditional tobacco use is one of the major public health achievements in the last century. Tobacco use is one of the largest contributors to poor health outcomes and early death in our country. Comprehensive tobacco policies have been effective at reducing tobacco use, particularly among youth and young adults. Youth rates of tobacco use continue to decrease, highlighting the effectiveness of these policies.
However, over the last decade, these successes have been overshadowed by the emergence of vapor products and the sharp increase in youth and young adult use. In two years, youth vapor product use increased by 135% across the country. In 2019, 25% of Washington high schoolers reported regular use of vapor or electronic cigarettes. Overwhelmingly, the majority use flavored products that come in fruit, candy, and mint flavors. Vapor products continue to be widely unregulated at the federal level despite recent efforts by the Federal Drug Administration to address concerns of safety and public health.
While long term health effects of vapor products are still unknown, mostly due to their recent emergence on the market, early research suggests there is some harm to human health. Various products and chemicals in products have been shown to impair lung function in several ways, impair immune function, and cause toxicity. The recent nationwide crisis of lung injury due to vaping, in which 23 Washingtonians were hospitalized, highlights the need for safeguards through regulation of these products.
SB 6254, scheduled for hearing on January 22, and HB 2454 intend to enhance the regulation of vapor products by prohibiting the sale of flavored vapor products and instituting further regulations in the manufacturing of vapor products in the state. A 2019 health impact review by the State Board of Health concluded that eliminating flavored vapor products would likely decrease initiation and use of vapor products and other tobacco products among youth and young adults, thereby improving their health outcomes.
It’s important to promote health in youth and young adults. Nicotine, an ingredient in most vapor products – even in some claiming to be nicotine free, is an incredibly addictive substance. Brain development continues through young adulthood, making youth and young adults highly susceptible to nicotine addiction and disruptions in brain development. Protecting our youth and promoting healthy behaviors enable youth to grow into healthy adults and make a healthy Washington.
