The American Heart Association is sounding the alarm on the growing threat of e-cigarette use among youth. One in four high school students now report vaping, making e-cigarettes the most popular tobacco product among adolescents. Not only are more children and young adults using these products, but they are using them more frequently.
This trend poses serious health risks. Nearly 90% of smokers first try tobacco by age 18, and if someone hasn’t started by age 26, they are unlikely to ever begin. Many teens falsely believe e-cigarettes are safe, and some don’t even realize they contain nicotine. Research shows vaping can lead to addiction and may serve as a gateway to cigarettes and other drugs.
Thanks to generous support from donors and Greater Princeton area residents Bharat and Darshna Amin, the American Heart Association is working with local schools to increase awareness through assemblies, classroom resources, district-wide policy guidance and parent information. These efforts aim to educate students, families, faculty and the community about the dangers of vaping.
“Seeing how deeply vaping had infiltrated schools made me realize this is where we need to intervene,” Bharat said. “I think this will create a great impact for our future generations, helping them avoid getting hooked on vaping. It needs to start early in their lives.”
Bharat has been a passionate supporter of the American Heart Association for more than a decade, having served on international, national and local committees.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of Bharat and Darshna Amin, we’re able to work together with schools, families and communities to help keep kids healthy, safe and fully present in the classroom,” said Matthew Fernandes, regional vice president of school engagement for the American Heart Association. “It’s so important for parents and caregivers to talk with the young people in their lives about the risks of tobacco and nicotine use.”
In addition to these anti-vaping efforts in Greater Princeton area schools, the American Heart Association is also engaged in advancing tobacco-related policies and smoke free legislation.
The American Heart Association advocates for strong, comprehensive tobacco policies and invites community members to join local efforts here.