Nicotine is not safe

Dear Editor,

More than one in four Montana high school students currently use e-cigarettes, and the disposable e-cigarettes many of them use are bigger and badder than ever before.

According to a recent study in Tobacco Control, the amount of e-liquid a disposable e-cigarette device can hold increased by 518% and the average nicotine strength increased by 294%. As a result, the amount of nicotine in some disposable e-cigarettes is now comparable to several cartons of cigarettes. E-liquids have also dropped in price, making it easier for kids to buy.

Montana communities need to wake up to this threat. Nicotine is not safe – it harms youth brain development and makes kids more susceptible to becoming addicted to other drugs.

Get more information about the harms of youth e-cigarette use and how to help our kids at co.sanders.mt.us/departments/public-health/ or tobaccofree.mt.gov. If your child is addicted to e-cigarettes, help them quit by visiting MyLifeMyQuit.com. If they don’t use e-cigarettes, make sure they understand the risks so they never make the decision to start.

Any questions? Call (406) 827-6901.

Karren McKinzie,

Sanders County Tobacco Education Specialist