Johns Hopkins finds thousands of unknown chemicals in e-cigarettes

A recent Johns Hopkins study found thousands of previously undetected chemicals in vapor from e-products. Previous studies of e-cigarettes have looked specifically for evidence of the hazardous chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. But here the researchers performed a non-targeted analysis to explore the full range of chemicals both in the vaping liquid and the aerosols. They detected hydrocarbon-like compounds, typically associated with combustion, which manufacturers say is not happening during vaping.

 

To read the full study, click the link here.

FDA Permits Marketing of E-Cigarette Products

The FDA approved marketing for 3 e-cigarette products on Tuesday, marking the first approvals under the new Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) pathway. TFND does not support the agency’s decision. Executive Director Heather Austin released this statement in response to the FDA’s decision:

“We are deeply concerned about the 3 products newly designated by the Food and Drug Administration. Overwhelming data has shown electronic products don’t foster cessation. Switching isn’t quitting. Dual-usage between traditional and electronic products is another concern. We strongly disagree with the FDA’s assertion that these products are safer, therefore making them safe for cessation. We will continue to educate the public on the dangers of these products and to use evidence-based best practices for cessation.”

The ND Department of Health also has a position against ENDS products which you can find here.

 

FDA: 85 Percent of Youth Using E-Products Use Flavors

Flavored products are used to addict the next generation of kids. New data shows 85% of youth e-cigarette users are using flavored products. If we want to make any headway on youth prevention, we must address flavored products.

Read the FDA findings by clicking here

Bismarck Senior Honored by Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids as Youth Advocate of the Year Award

Madeline Erickson, of Bismarck, ND, has been named a Youth Advocate of the
Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. We are so proud of Madeline and all of her work, especially surrounding keeping North Dakota’s Smoke-free air law intact! She was honored by CTFK during a virtual award ceremony on September 29. You can watch the award ceremony here (Madeline appears around the 14:00 mark).

 

You can also read local coverage form the Bismarck Tribune and KX News

Study shows electronic tobacco products can lead to adverse birth outcomes

A study in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists shows using electronic nicotine products during pregnancy can have negative effects on an child, including low birth weight and preterm births. To read the full study, click here. 

KELO: Alcohol and tobacco sales soared in South Dakota during COVID-19 pandemic

This story form South Dakota is unfortunately true in many other other places. If you’re in North Dakota and looking to seek help, contact your health provider, local public health unit, or call the NDQuits line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

KX News: Help available for tobacco users

KX News interviewed TFND about the upcoming #QuitWeek2021. You can read the full article by clicking here.

TFND Announces Winner in 4th Annual Video Essay Scholarship Contest

Tobacco Free North Dakota is happy to announce the winner of our fourth annual Video Essay Scholarship Contest: Brooklyn Benno from De Lacs-Burlington High School. Benno, a graduating senior, was also active in FBLA, FFA, Student Council, and National Honor Society. She served as the North Dakota FBLA State President for the 2020-2021 term. Brooklyn will be attending Bismarck State College in the fall to study occupational therapy and play basketball and softball for the Mystics.

“We had a lot of quality submissions to this year’s contest,” said Heather Austin, Executive Director of TFND. “Brooklyn’s video was incredible and it’s so rewarding to TFND to see many young people wanting to stay tobacco free.”

You can watch the video by clicking the link here.

Big Tobacco Exposed 2021 Contest Winners

TFND partnered with Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health for the fourth Big Tobacco Exposed contest. The competition gives students from Bismarck State College and United Tribes Technical College graphic design programs a chance to design a poster showing the importance of healthy lungs. Students from the University of Mary Health Professions program judged the submissions.

 

We had 21 entries this year! TFND presented checks on April 9 to the winner and runners up. Congrats to our winners and everyone who participated!

 

Research from NDSU on compliance with North Dakota’s Smoke-Free air law

If you haven’t had a chance to see Kelly Buettner-Schmidt’s (a professor with NDSU) article regarding Compliance with North Dakota’s smoke‐free law among vape and tobacco specialty shops, you should! Click here to give it a read.