The Rise and Fall of E-Cigarettes in Maine

Six years ago, when Mary Lou Warn found out that her child was vaping, the child assured her that it was safe. Warn tried to conduct research, but at that time, there was hardly any information available about these new e-cigarettes.

I can't find anything to refute this information," she said. When her son Jack went to college, Vaughn said his addiction to e-cigarettes had begun to noticeably affect his health. Jack used to be an athlete, but now he has a pale complexion, frequent coughing, emotional outbursts, and depression.

Jack ultimately worked with his doctor to quit his usage within a six-month timeframe. In the years that followed, the public gained a better understanding of the risks associated with electronic cigarettes.

Warn expressed concern that public health is at risk here," he said. Prior to the introduction of e-cigarettes to the market, public health advocates in Maine and elsewhere had made progress in their battle against tobacco. Smoking rates had decreased, and in many parts of society, it was seen as uncool and socially unacceptable.

Electronic cigarette manufacturers have reversed this trend through clever marketing, trendy devices, and appealing flavors. In Maine, the rate of teenagers using e-cigarettes nearly doubled between 2017 and 2019, which is concerning for health advocates in a state where smoking rates are already higher than average.

However, since then, there have been signs that the tide may turn again. Portland, Bangor, and Brunswick have banned the sale of flavored electronic cigarette products this year. Maine recently reached an agreement with e-cigarette manufacturer Juul on its marketing strategy aimed at young people, which will receive approximately $11 million. However, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey announced on Friday that he is abandoning the agreement with Juul over proposed terms.

The latest comprehensive youth health survey in Maine this week found that the state's high school students' use of electronic cigarettes decreased from 45% in 2019 to 32% last year.

Former President of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Deborah Hagler, stated that the investigation data is "encouraging". However, she remains "cautiously optimistic".

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