ALAMOSA — Gov. John Hickenlooper announced new efforts to address Colorado’s teen vaping crisis on November 2. The governor launched “Vape-Free November”, a prevention initiative aimed at increasing awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping. Hickenlooper signed an executive order directing state agencies to take action to limit the use of tobacco products, including vaping products, by youth. He also announced the release of The Colorado Tobacco Prevention Blueprint, which provides policy recommendations to reduce the burden that tobacco and vaping place on the state.

Teen vaping has reached epidemic rates in the state, with Colorado ranking highest in youth vape use in the country. According to the 2017 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS), 27 percent of Colorado youth currently vape, more than twice the national average (13 percent) reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Alamosa County is no exception, as the HKCS indicates that 21 percent of youth in the San Luis Valley have used an electronic cigarette device (e-cig) in the last 30 days and 49 percent have ever used an e-cig.

Originally developed as aids to help people stop smoking, there are now many vape products on the market. These products are unregulated, so it is hard for the public to know what a device may contain. One vape pod can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. This makes vaping extremely addictive — particularly for the developing teenage brain.  Youth often don’t realize the addictive potential of products that are marketed as “a safe and healthy alternative” to cigarettes. Vape companies aggressively market their products to youth, with vape juice flavors like “cotton candy,” “gummy bear” and “banana split.” The liquid that people vape is not “harmless water vapor;” it contains nicotine, toxins, heavy metals and other chemicals known to cause cancer.

According to Interim Chief Medical Officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Dr. Tista Ghosh, “When kids consume nicotine in any form, including nicotine in vape, their health and their brain development is at risk.” Data show that teens who vape are more susceptible to addiction and mood disorders, and are more likely to smoke cigars and cigarettes in the future. Dr. Ghosh also noted that Colorado data suggests vaping may be an indicator for other high risk behaviors such as binge drinking, using marijuana and misusing prescription pain medications.

To address the continuing rise in youth vaping, Alamosa County Public Health Department (ACPHD) and Alamosa Schools are working together to educate staff, parents, students and community members that School Tobacco Free Policy prohibits vaping in addition to all tobacco products. ACPHD Tobacco Prevention Nurse, Kerrie Harris, works with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) groups at both the middle and high schools on tobacco and vape prevention.

“We have the power to change the environment that’s created an epidemic of nicotine addiction among our kids, but none of us can reverse this course alone,” Dr. Ghosh said. “Parents, schools, health care providers and policy makers all play a key role in ensuring that Colorado youth get the opportunity to start their lives healthy and free of addiction.”

Health care providers will be asking youth, adults and caregivers specifically about vaping in addition to tobacco use during healthcare visits. This provides an opportunity to share information about the dangers of nicotine to the developing brain. Individuals can then receive encouragement to quit, and support and referral for age-appropriate cessation services.

There are steps parents and adults can take right now to help address this crisis. Research shows that young people benefit from conversations with their parents and trusted adults. Listening, having fact-based conversations with teens and establishing a smoke/vape-free rule at home can help prevent initiation and dispel the myth that vaping is harmless. For tips on starting the conversation with teens and fact sheets about vaping, visit www.tobaccofreeco.org/know-the-facts.  Recognizing vape products is another way parents and other adults can take action, as vape delivery systems can be cleverly disguised. ACPHD can provide community or group presentations on vape product recognition; call Kerrie Harris at 589-6639 for more information or to schedule a presentation.