Statewide Iowa — (RI) — Despite an increasing number of reports about the health hazards of electronic cigarettes, studies find the popularity of vaping continues to rise in Iowa.
Erika Sward, spokeswoman for the American Lung Association, says more Iowa adults are using e-cigarettes, but they’re especially alluring to teenagers.
The latest study from the Iowa Department of Public Health finds e-cigarette use among Iowa 11th graders has rocketed in recent years to more than 22-percent, that’s almost one in every four. Sward says e-cigarettes were initially billed as being a safe alternative to help smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes to eventually quit.
The American Lung Association is continuing to press the FDA for more significant action on e-cigarettes, but she says the agency is moving very slowly.
The state of Iowa is offering a program called, “My Life, My Quit,” which focuses on teens. Through the program, teens work with a coach who listens and understands their unique needs, provides personalized support, and helps them build a quit plan to become free from nicotine. For details, text or call 855-891-9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com
