E-cigarettes and Vaping
Latest information on E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) in America
Latest outbreak information on the number of lung injury cases reported to the CDC
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the incidents of severe respiratory illness in Idaho associated with use of vaping products. This is a complex, ongoing and evolving investigation and the causes are still being identified. Project Filter urges everyone to refrain from vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current investigations are complete.
Resources for Teens
For teenagers who want to quit, there are FREE texting and call programs just for you!
This free and confidential help for Idaho teens includes:
- 5 FREE coaching sessions by text, chat, or phone
- Dedicated toll-free number (1-855-891-9989)
- Online enrollment through www.mylifemyquit.com
- Specially trained coaches help teens and youth quit tobacco, including e-cigarettes and vaping
- Additional text messaging for extra support
- Educational materials designed for teens
- A certificate of completion
Other resources for youths:
Resources for parents
Parents and other adults looking to help young people quit vaping can use the
This is Quitting text program by texting “QUIT” to (202) 899-7550.
- Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents
- What You Need to Know And How to Talk With Your Kids About Vaping
- Tips From Teachers: How to talk to your kids about vaping
- Know the risks – E-cigarettes and young people
- Idaho – E-cigarettes and vaping
- FDA Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan
Resources for Educators
INDEPTH, a free education program developed by the American Lung Association in partnership with the Prevention Research Center of West Virginia University helps address the teen vaping problem in a more supportive way by providing schools and communities an alternative to suspension or citation. Instead of solely focusing on punitive measures, INDEPTH is an interactive program that teaches students about nicotine dependence, establishes healthy alternatives, and offers tips to kick the unhealthy addiction that got them in trouble in the first place.
Educators can also integrate the Stanford Tobacco Prevention Toolkit into their curriculum for free. This curriculum is a theory-based and evidence-informed resource created by educators, parents, and researchers aimed at preventing middle and high school students’ use of tobacco and nicotine.
Scholastic, in conjunction with the FDA, has also developed a suite of resources for educators to start an honest conversation with their classes from grades 6-12 to help change social norms in schools.
Project Filter sponsors local athletes who visit schools in classrooms and assembly settings to talk to youth about why they choose to be tobacco/vape-free. Contact [email protected] for information.
Current Policy
In 2016, the FDA established a rule for e-cigarettes and their liquid solutions. Because e-cigarettes contain nicotine derived from tobacco, they are now subject to government regulation as tobacco products.
This means:
- It is illegal to sell e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, or cigars in person or online to anyone under age 18
- Buyers must show their photo ID to purchase e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco, or cigars, verifying that they are 18 years or older
- These products cannot be sold in vending machines (unless in an adult-only facility)
- It is illegal to hand out free samples
For more information about this ruling, visit the FDA’s webpage, The Facts on the FDA’s New Tobacco Rule.
Additional Resources
