South Nassau ‘Truth in Medicine’ Poll: Eighty Percent of Parents Think Vaping Is Addictive; 63 Percent Think It Is Unsafe

Eighty percent of parents think vaping is addictive, and 63 percent think that it is unsafe. And, when asked whether or not they support vape shops in their community, 56 percent of parents said they oppose them, and 32% support allowing them to open, according to the latest South Nassau ‘Truth in Medicine’ Poll, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Twelve percent answered they are not sure.

Eighty-five percent of metro area parents are concerned that kids under 18 are curious about vaping, which may suggest a need for more education about e-cigarettes and similar vaping products, their addictiveness and whether or not they are regulated by the government.

The New York State Department of Health has said that e-cigarette use is “a major public health concern” and notes that e-cigarette use among young people is at a record high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018, nearly 1 of every 5 (20.8%) high school students reported that they had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. This is up from 1.5 percent in 2011.

“Our poll shows that parents in our area believe that our kids are just as curious about vaping as they are about marijuana and alcohol,” said Aaron E. Glatt, MD, South Nassau’s Department of Medicine Chair and Hospital Epidemiologist. “No matter how it is delivered, whether by traditional cigarette or through vapor, nicotine in any form is highly addictive and can harm brain development in teenagers and young adults.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, while e-cigarettes can be an effective tool to help adult smokers quit and are a safer alternative for smokers than traditional cigarettes, which contain tar and most of the carcinogens associated with smoking, teens who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to try regular cigarettes. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes are an electronic device that produces an aerosol by heating a liquid. Usually these liquids contain nicotine and many are flavored. E-cigarettes can also be used for vapor forms of marijuana.

In response to concern about vaping and lack of education in our community, local legislators are advocating for increased regulation of vaping product sales and advertising. Sen. John Brooks (D-Merrick) has several pieces of legislation pending in the New York State Senate to regulate the advertising and labeling of e-cigarettes and vaping products.

"As was the case in the early days of traditional tobacco cigarettes, companies selling vaping products are using positive imagery and compelling advertising techniques to fill the void of scientific consensus and intentionally sell unhealthy products to impressionable youth,” said Sen. Brooks. “Vaping is a public danger, especially for minors, and while the federal government drags its feet, it is crucial that we work on a state level to protect our children in NY from an industry that pushes poison-for-profit."