Pierre, S.D. – Data from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey show youth use of e-cigarettes in high schools has skyrocketed, with a 135% increase over the past two years. Survey results also show that 27.5% of high school students used e-cigarettes in the last 30 days. Nearly 64% used mint or menthol flavored e-cigarettes, only 2% less than fruit flavored products and significantly more than candy flavors.
As lawmakers return for another legislative session, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports efforts to effectively address the e-cigarette epidemic that is affecting the state’s youth. In order to enhance recent federal action regarding tobacco products, ACS CAN will continue to work in the state to advance and implement comprehensive tobacco control policies, including:
While raising the minimum legal sale age of tobacco products to 21 was an important step, action at the state level must also ensure comprehensive, active enforcement along with strong retailer licensing is in place to ensure compliance is taking place at all tobacco and e-cigarette retail locations.
ACS CAN volunteers look forward to meeting with lawmakers during ACS CAN’s annual Cancer Action Day on Wednesday, February 12. ACS CAN encourages individuals, businesses and organizations that are interested in these issues to reach out to ACS CAN to get involved in the fight against cancer at: https://www.fightcancer.org/states/south-dakota.