We know that the majority of chronic adult smokers were using tobacco by 19 years old. Our Tobacco Free Arizona program and partners across the state have been among the first public health officials in the country to proactively address this emerging public health threat imposed by young people using e-cigarettes.
Statewide youth surveys indicate that more than one-in-four teens report using or experimenting with e-cigarettes. By conducting countless interviews and focus groups, we know youth are encouraged through advertising and peer pressure to use all kinds of electronic nicotine delivery systems, a behavior that is both illegal and unhealthy. We’ve been hard at work developing educational messages for Arizona youth that de-bunk the beliefs held by many young people that the vapor they ingest is harmless and nicotine-free.
The Surgeon General’s Report highlights the indisputable truth that youth should not be exposed to nicotine. In our mission to promote the health and wellness of all Arizonans, we must never hesitate to prevent harm and are committed to bring a halt to the alarming trend of e-cigarette use among our youth.