SENATOR LOIS KOLKHORST HOLDS HEARING ON VAPING

  

Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services held a hearing at the state capitol on Tuesday, December 3 to address the many questions and concerns about the rise in electric "e-cigarette" use and recreational "vaping," especially among minors. The committee was tasked with studying the issue by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) serving as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services hearing

Across the nation, e-cigarettes have been linked to lung illnesses and deaths referred to as e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury, or "EVALI".  In Texas, there have been 189 confirmed or probable cases and one death attributed to vaping. The Senate panel heard testimony from several experts across the state and nation.  Many expressed concerns that minors are using vaping products at a rapidly increasing rate.

According to reports from the Center for Disease Control, among high school students nationally, e-cigarette use increased from 1.5% (2011) to 20.8% (2018). In Texas, according to the Department of State Health Services, over 330,000 middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2018 which equates to about 13% of the state's youth. More recent numbers indicate high school students reporting that 1 in 4 have used an electronic cigarettes within the last 30 days.

"We must take a hard look at the impact of e-cigarettes on public health," said Kolkhorst. "It's alarming that so many minors are vaping without understanding the long term impact to their health and the addiction of nicotine. Texas principals and school administrators testified that the number of high school and middle school students now vaping has more than doubled in the last two years."

In 2018, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 21 raising the age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. The Senate Committee on Health & Human Services will continue working to determine if additional policies or laws are needed to protect the public's health, especially minors.

"This hearing is the start of a thorough examination about the dangers of vaping. It is important that we chart a new path forward on this issue. As lawmakers, it would be reckless to ignore the dangers to public health, the risks to our young people, and the increased healthcare costs created by this rising trend," Kolkhorst said. "During the seven hour hearing, doctors and researchers expressed concerns over the unknown ingredients in some e-cigarettes or vapes. I hope every parent realizes the dangers of the epidemic we are facing."

Some states are considering label requirements and others are banning flavored e-cigarettes, which are considered an attractant to young vapers. The most popular e-cigarette, JUUL, has recently taken its flavored products off the market and shut down its Instagram and Facebook accounts after warnings from the Food and Drug Administration and public backlash.  (Story and photo courtesy of Senator Lois Kolkhorst's office.)

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One Comment

  1. Thank you to Senator Kolkhorst for taking a lead on this issue. These devices are harming to many young consumers who are unaware or under informed about the dangers of these terrible devices. I personally think the people who make and sell these things should be held civilly and criminally liable for the damage they are doing to our youth.

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