While cigarette use is at an all-time low, health officials are trying to curb teen vaping

[KSTP-TV News, April 27, 2023] The number of U.S. adults who smoke cigarettes is at an all-time low. While people wean off traditional cigarettes, more people are using electronic cigarettes. The insight into smoking and vaping habits comes from an early look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s annual health survey.

The bump in vaping is a familiar trend in Minnesota — specifically for teenagers. The state saw a sharp spike from 2016-2019 in teen vaping, and numbers from 2019 highlight more than 26% of 11th graders reported to have vaped in the past 30 days.

While the negative health impacts aren’t fully understood surrounding vaping, doctors still advise against it.

“The most important take-home message is not to think of vaping as a safe alternative to cigarettes,” said Dr. Andrew Stiehm, a pulmonologist with Allina Health. “It’s best to do neither [cigarettes nor e-cigarettes],” Stiehn added. “Neither is good for your health, and it’s best to just avoid all of the above.”