Testimonies from Minnesota youth about the harmful effects of vaping and e-cigarettes helped emphasize the importance and need for greater restrictions to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes. This support for the policy comes at a time when e-cigarette devices are leading to a sharp spike in youth smoking rates in Minnesota and across the country.

“As many as 40 percent of teens have tried vaping, as many as 20 percent vape regularly,” says Janelle Waldock, vice president for community health and health equity and co-chair of the Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation coalition. In fact, she says, “we have reason to believe that rates are even higher than data shows.”

These powerful voices were heard loud and clear by state lawmakers — staring August 1, the Freedom to Breathe Act will be expanded to include the ban of e-cigarettes in virtually all public places.

Waldock credits the testimony from Minnesota youth as being a major reason that this legislation successfully became a new law.

Emergence of e-cigarette use among teens

As e-cigarettes are a relatively new product, there’s been very little research or information about the health effects related to these products.

Couple that historical lack of scientific warning with the introduction of sweet, fruity flavors that make vaping seem appealing and innocent, and you have a product marketed directly to those most vulnerable to become addicted to nicotine: teenagers.

“The reality is that these products deliver high doses of nicotine,” Waldock says. “This leads teens to a lifelong addiction. As these products are still relatively new, a lot of teens haven’t been made aware of their true danger. We’re working hard to change any misconception.”

Compelling youth stories show need for action

During the 2019 Minnesota legislative session, Waldock says high school youth provided “horrifying and compelling testimonies that underscored what an epidemic vaping has become.”

For example, Waldock cited that teens shared how it’s not uncommon for their classmates to wear “vaping hoodies,” which have built-in places to hide their e-cigarettes, allowing them to discretely vape during class.

In additional testimonies, school administrators walked in with boxes full or e-cigarette equipment that had been seized, noting that the suspension that comes as a punishment for confiscation of these devices leads to a loss of valuable learning time.

And, vaping isn’t just a distraction, it is also hitting some school’s budgets, as in some cases security guards are needed to monitor school bathrooms that are essentially becoming “vaping lounges.”

“These are all complete distractions from a healthy, positive school environment,” Waldock says.

Tackling epidemic through new law prohibiting e-cigarettes indoors

An important step in combating the epidemic is to send a strong statement about the public acceptability of using e-cigarettes and other vaping products. The new regulation to the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act will prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in in all workplaces and indoor public places. Legislation like this is important to tackle the teen tobacco use rates as it sends a strong message about the harmful effects of commercial tobacco.

During the 2019, Minnesota legislative session, high school youth provided horrifying and compelling testimonies that underscored what an epidemic vaping has become.

“This legislation signifies that we recognize the harmful effects that come from e-cigarettes,” Waldock says. “It will take vaping out of the public eye and not signify it as a norm, which is an important step for public health and a proven way to prevent youth from taking up tobacco use.”

Continued commitment to Tobacco 21 legislation

During this legislative session, Blue Cross also worked to gain support for a statewide Tobacco 21 (T21) law, which would increase the age to buy tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to 21-years-old. Many Minnesota cities have already passed T21 laws and while it did not become a state law this year, Waldock says Blue Cross is committed to continue to advocate for it.

“Raising the legal age to buy tobacco to 21 is really effective in reducing social sources that teens have to getting tobacco and e-cigarettes,” she says. “It didn’t pass this year, but we’ll be back next year working at it.”