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Data shows Colorado teen e-cigarette use plummets for first time in seven years

Data shows Colorado teen e-cigarette use plummets for first time in seven years

2022-08-03

The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment announced Tuesday that e-cigarette use among high school students has dropped significantly by 10 percent, from 26 percent in 2019 to 16 percent now, according to data from the recently released Colorado Healthy Kids Survey.


The survey also reported that the percentage of high school students using conventional cigarettes fell by 3 percent, from 6 percent in 2019 to 3 percent.


Overall, tobacco use among high school students dropped significantly by 12 percent, from 29 percent in 2019 to 17 percent.


CDPHE noted that the data may indicate that students are learning more about the dangers of smoking and vaping.


“The latest data are encouraging,” said Natalya Versheure, CDPHE Tobacco Program Manager, “but more work needs to be done. We recommend that parents, schools and communities continue to encourage youth to make healthy choices and strengthen smoke-free habits.”


However, some data suggest that tobacco use is increasing or staying the same in some regions. The use of flavored vaping products increased from 18% to 23%. The proportion of students using menthol cigarettes remained stable.


The data also shows that children start experimenting with e-cigarettes and other vaping products at an early age. The percentage of high school students who tried vaping products before age 13 increased by 9%, from 13% in 2019 to 22%. However, there was no change in usage by middle school students.


"Our goal is to ensure that every young person in Colorado can live the healthiest life possible," said CDPHE Executive Director Jill Hunsaker Ryan. "We are encouraged that youth tobacco use is declining. We will continue our prevention programs to ensure young people who use tobacco have access to resources and support that can help them quit and prevent young people who do not use tobacco from starting. "


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