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Teen vaping is an epidemic in Colorado
(Apr. 17) — The House passed a bill that modernizes the 2006 Clean Indoor Air Act. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet would add hookah smoking, electronic smoking devices or e-cigarettes to the list of prohibited activities in indoor public places and workplaces.
“Colorado teens are engaging in e-cigarette and vaping use at an alarming rate. As a parent of teenagers, I share the concern of parents who are worried about this growing public health issue and how it is impacting their children,” said Rep. Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City. “It’s time to show our young people that vaping is harmful for them, their peers and their long term health.”
HB19-1076 protects people of all ages against the dangers of secondhand smoking exposure from electronic cigarettes. It also ensures that existing smoke-free laws are being enforced. In 2018, the U.S. Surgeon General called teen vaping an epidemic.
In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado a “B” grade for its smoke-free air citing Colorado’s use of electronic smoking devices indoor. The report also suggested strengthening state and local laws around youth access to tobacco products to raise its “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs.
The bipartisan bill passed by a voice-vote. A final vote will be taken at a later date.