Program Seeks To Educate Parents, Youths About Dangers Of Vaping

This paid post is sponsored by the Alameda County Tobacco Control Program. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

The Alameda County Tobacco Control Program provides tobacco education, prevention services, and technical assistance to government agencies, community-based organizations, law enforcement, hospitals, clinics, businesses and residents while working toward the following goals:

• Countering pro-tobacco influences in the community.
• Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Increasing the number of smoke-free public spaces, worksites, schools and communities.
• Reducing the availability of tobacco products.
• Promoting the availability of cessation services.

Patch recently had a chance to talk with the Alameda County Tobacco Control Program.

Patch: How harmful is vaping flavored tobacco for youth?

The Alameda County Tobacco Control Program: Vaping is incredibly harmful to youth. Vaping devices tend to use nicotine salts instead of regular nicotine. Doing so allows higher concentrations of nicotine to enter the body more easily and quickly. Nicotine is poison for the adolescent brain and can potentially interfere with how their brain functions. In addition to nicotine salts, vaping devices contain toxic chemicals such as benzene, diacetyl and carcinogens. In 2019, thousands of people, including youth, were hospitalized and 60 died after they developed a vaping product use associated lung injury known as EVALI.

Patch: Isn’t vaping less harmful than smoking cigarettes?

Tobacco Control Program: While vapes contain fewer toxic chemicals, when compared to combustible cigarettes, vapes are not safe. No tobacco product is safe.

Patch: Are many kids and teenagers vaping flavored tobacco in Union City?

Tobacco Control Program: According to 2017-2018 California Healthy Kids Survey results from the New Haven Unified School District (NHUSD), nearly 1 in 4 ninth and 11th graders report having used e-cigarettes/vapes. Additionally, 68 percent of NHUSD 11th graders and 60 percent of ninth graders believe that obtaining e-cigarettes and vaping devices is easy. This pairs with data showing that 88 percent of youth tobacco users in Alameda County use a flavored tobacco product. Flavored tobacco is a starter product which encourages youth initiation of tobacco use.

Patch: What’s your advice for parents of kids and teens who might try vaping flavored tobacco?

Tobacco Control Program: Parents should discourage their children from vaping. Again, nicotine can negatively impact the adolescent brain, and potentially sets the stage for a lifetime of addiction to harmful tobacco products. Parents can visit FlavorsHookKidsUnioncity.org for more information and support.

Patch: What can others in our community do to protect kids and teenagers from the dangers of vaping?

Tobacco Control Program: Community members can learn more about this health issue and educate others in the community. They can work with the Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition to advocate for strong and comprehensive tobacco retail policies which reduce youth access to these harmful products. Community members can also join local organizations that focus on tobacco use prevention. To learn more about the Alameda County Tobacco Control Coalition, visit www.tobaccofreealamedacounty.org.

Patch: What is the Alameda County Public Health Department doing to protect youth from the dangers of vaping flavored tobacco?

Tobacco Control Program: The Alameda County Public Health Department’s Tobacco Control Program provides information and education about the dangers of vaping flavored tobacco as well as potential policy solutions to reduce access to these harmful products.

Patch: Where can youth and parents find out more about the harms of vaping flavored tobacco?

Tobacco Control Program: Parents and youth can find more information about vapes on the FlavorsHookKidsUnioncity.org website. This website includes a variety of vape-related information and resources, including vaping cessation services for youth.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and programs?

Tobacco Control Program: For more information please visit www.tobaccofreealamedacounty.org, call 510-208-5920 or email us at TCP@acgov.org.