SD Dept of Health look into vaping in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D.(KELO)- They come in 15-thousand flavors and are loaded with toxic, addictive nicotine.

The South Dakota Department of Health has just compiled its 2023 Youth Tobacco Survey.

Sierra Phelps, head of the Department’s Tobacco program, says nearly 16-percent of High School Students had used a vaping product within the prior 30 days.

That’s triple the number of students who had used tobacco products.

That’s one of the reasons health officials are so concerned about the explosion of teen use of the devices.

Phelps, says the risks for users are many.

Cigarette smoking among teens is a big concern for health officials.

But the habit is beginning to take a back seat to the tech version of smoking…vape devices.

The addictions that develop are just as real.

Phelps, says the agency has effective tools to help people kick the habit.

Phelps says the Health Department provides curriculum for K-12 schools that addresses prevention and cessation.

From Kindergarten to High School graduation, Health officials are trying to help students avoid the dangers of smoking.

But, what about the students who’ve already developed a habit?

What if they’ve been caught smoking at school?

Phelps says whether it’s cigarettes or vaping devices, education is a better approach than punishing violators with suspension.

The new school year is fast approaching…and the state health department is hoping it includes more than the three R’s.

Phelps says the department has curriculum to make students aware of the health risks of smoking and vaping.

She says they see signs that their message is getting through.

Three times as many teens are using vape devices as those who smoke cigarettes.

Experts say one vaping device can contain the nicotine of 26 packs of cigarettes.