While the battle to prevent teenagers from smoking tobacco is achieving substantial success, a new health risk has emerged that threatens the health of young Iowans. There has been a dramatic increase in vaping. Unfortunately, too many parents, school leaders and youngsters aren’t well-informed about the health risks vaping poses – especially to teenagers and young adults.

That’s why Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department of Education are launching an aggressive public information campaign to increase awareness about the health issues posed by vaping.

“As a mom, grandma and governor of Iowa, I believe we have an opportunity and a responsibility to combat the teen vaping epidemic,” Reynolds said in announcing this initiative. “By increasing awareness and education on the known risks of vaping, we can help prevent our young people from setting themselves up for a lifelong addiction to nicotine.”

The campaign is making available to parents, young Iowans and school personnel an array of educational materials. According to information provided by the governor’s office, the initiative has assorted elements designed for different audiences. Digital resources are being utilized including messages delivered through SnapChat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Hulu and other communications channels.

Medical professionals are still evaluating just how serious a health problem vaping can be. There is agreement, however, that it is especially worrisome for young people during their developmental years. An advisory by the office of the U.S. surgeon general points out that the nicotine exposure vaping affords is especially bad for younger users because their brains are still developing. “Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impact learning, memory and attention,” the warning says.

It’s also the case that nicotine and other chemicals introduced into the body through vaping can have a variety of negative health consequences including lung damage and elevated blood pressure.

The spread of the vaping habit is alarming. According to the data provided by the surgeon general, it increased among high school students by 900 percent during the 2011-2015 time period. The statement just released by Iowa’s governor indicates that vaping has doubled nationally since 2017. It says that today 1 in 4 high school students vapes. The numbers for Iowa are also distressing. The governor says that in 2016 9 percent of Hawkeye State 11th grade students vaped. By 2018, usage in that population had grown to 22 percent.

The Messenger strongly supports the governor’s efforts to increase awareness about the spread of vaping and its dangers. We encourage our readers to check out information on the website of the Iowa Department of Public Health about this issue (https://idph.iowa.gov/tupac/vaping-information). We commend Reynolds for taking a lead role in this important initiative.