Marin County Civil Grand Jury: Youth Vaping Is An 'Epidemic'

In a new report, independent watchdog agency the Marin County Civil Grand Jury says that youth use of e-cigarettes is a health 'epidemic.'

MARIN COUNTY, CA -- Youth use of e-cigarettes, commonly known as 'vaping,' has become an epidemic in the area, according to a new report by the independent "watchdog" investigative agency known as the Marin County Civil Grand Jury.

In the 23-page report, which was released May 16, the Grand Jury states that Marin County is in the midst of a health crisis. Vaping among Marin County seventh, ninth, and 11th graders has more than doubled in the past two years, according to the report, with 47 percent of 11th graders admitting to having vaped.

"As bad as these numbers are, they may actually be higher," the report says in part, "as teens notoriously under-report on these types of surveys."

Vaping is inhaling aerosols created when fluids in electronic smoking devices -- electronic cigarettes and similar products -- are heated.

"Most vaping products contain highly addictive nicotine, as well as other harmful substances. As a result, vaping can cause irreparable damage to vapers' health and subject them to problems that will plague them for the rest of their lives," according to the report.

"The billion-dollar corporations that make and supply vaping products have expressly designed,

flavored, and marketed their products to hook adolescents," the report continues. "Most youngsters don't realize that a single vaping cartridge contains as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. Used cartridges can be refilled with other harmful substances including marijuana extracts."

To combat youth vaping, the Grand Jury has recommended a four-pronged approach, which includes educating students, teachers and parents.; limiting the availability of flavored tobacco; enforcing any tobacco sales bans; and supporting students already addicted to nicotine.

"If Marin County is to continue being the 'healthiest county in California,' it must increase its efforts to educate students and parents, restrict access, and support students who are addicted," the report states, citing health rankings by the philanthropic Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

May 21, 2019

Patch.com

By Mark Nero