Tobacco is changing. Today’s commercial tobacco products look very different from a familiar pack of cigarettes. The next generation of dangerous and deceptive tobacco products – electrotronic cigarettes, smokeless products, and candy flavored juices are already here and already hurting kids.
What hasn’t changed is the tobacco industry’s commitment to addicting future users. The tobacco industry continues to work around restrictions on flavorings and laws making it illegal to sell to anyone under 21. The indus try has profits on the line, not the best interest of our children.
Our kids are the tobacco industry’s newest targets:
- The tobacco industry aggressively markets in retail environments that appeal to youth, especially in communities of color.
- Bright, youthful packaging helps products stand out in stores.
- Products designed to go unrecognized by adults allow kids to hide their addiction at home and in school.
- Flavored commercial tobacco products target youth. In Wisconsin 80% of kids who have used tobacco tried a flavored product first.
These products are dangerous and addictive. They can cause lung damage and problems with attention and memory.
It is also important that retailers do not sell products with nicotine to under age people which is why the WI WINS Program offers retailers free training on I.D. verification. Please visit www.witobaccocheck.org to find this free training. This will help prevent sales to consumers who are under age. You must be 21 y ears of age or older to purchase tobacco
and nicotine products.
A DHS med ia campaign will launch in December to promote Live Vape Free, a suite of free resources for teens and their caregivers. Teens who are addicted to e cigarettes can receive free help through the Live Vape Free program by texting “VAPEFREE” to 873373. This program provides teens with interactive resources to help them determine their motivation
for quitting and set a quit date. Additionally, adults who want to support a young person trying to quit e cigarettes can take part in a free online course from Live Vape Free by visiting www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/vapefree For more information on tobacco’s changing landscape visit www.tobaccoischanging.com
Text “VAPEFREE” to 873373 to access the Live Vape Free program and resources.
For more on nicotine prevention efforts in Fond du Lac County, community members are en couraged to join the East Central Alliance for Nicotine Prevention which serves Fond du Lac, Gr een Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties.