Colorado ranks first for number of underage teen vapers

Colorado leads the nation in several desirable categories and one that’s undesirable — the number of kids who receive nicotine from the habit of vaping.

State health experts and Gov. John Hickenlooper held a news conference Friday at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora to raise awareness about the issue.

“We just learned of the ranking this year from several nationwide surveys,” said Dr. Amy Sass, a CHC pediatrician and an associate professor at the University of Colorado.

Teens must be at least 18 to purchase vaping products, which are electronic cigarettes that heat a liquid containing nicotine and inhale the vapors. Many products also contain sweet, often fruity flavors, making them appealing to young people.

“So the kids under 18 are getting them from someone else,” Sass said. “They’re smoking regular cigarettes less but vaping more and becoming more likely to get addicted.”

Hickenlooper also issued an executive order asking the Legislature to consider raising the legal age for vaping to 21.

“Maybe we need to consider licensing also,” he said. “Require people who sell vaping products to have a license, just like pharmacists and people who sell alcohol.”

The reasons why vaping is increasing in Colorado are unclear.

“There’s definitely a cool factor,” Sass said. “There’s also misconceptions about how harmful it can be. And many parents aren’t educated about the risks.”

Health experts recommend that families learn what they can about vaping and discuss the matter with their physicians.

Hickenlooper also declared this month as “Vape-Free November.”