HELENA- Teen E-Cigarette use is at an all-time high in Montana, according to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Monday at the State Capitol, State Medical Officer Doctor, Gregory Holzman, presented the data from the latest youth risk behavior survey to lawmakers.
Dr. Holzman stated that Montana ranks above the national average in teen tobacco use. In 2017 alone, nearly a third of high schoolers used a tobacco or nicotine product; nearly a quarter of those were E-Cigarettes. Nationwide, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found almost five million middle and high schoolers used some type of nicotine product within the last year.
Nicole Aune, Program Manager for Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, said, “E-Cigarette use has risen 78% nation-wide, so it’s something we are really concerned about it, there has been a lot misinformation out there about E-Cigarettes and a lot of confusion; it’s a new product people don’t always understand new things, so it was an opportunity for our state medical officer, Dr. Holzman to go through what we do know right now about E-Cigarettes, the scientific facts and the data.”
Health experts say nicotine use in any form can harm brain development. Kids who use E-cigarettes are four times more likely to smoke regular cigarettes.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) says the surge in E-Cigarettes has erased past progress in reducing youth tobacco use.
The FDA is now restricting the sale of flavored nicotine liquids, proven popular with young users. Dr. Holzman also pointed out that because e-cigarettes are not taxed in Montana and come in so many different flavors, like cotton candy, cinnamon, butter popcorn, etc. they are more appealing to youth and young adults.
“It’s that old saying tobacco companies use, ‘hook’em young, hook’em for life,’” said Dr. Holzman.
