Power Of Putnam Sides With Movement To Prevent Youth Nicotine Use

Power of Putnam is happy with the state Attorney General co-leading a 31 state movement against youth nicotine use.

State leaders have called on the FDA to eliminate youth-appealing flavors, limit nicotine levels and restrict marketing for these products. Executive Director Bill Gibson said it is a good thing to reduce.

“The use of nicotine by youth is one of our primary concerns,” Gibson said. “The effect that any of these addictive substances have on a developing brain and a potential for life-long addiction problems is huge.”

Gibson said e-cigarettes and vaping has become a prevalent issue among local youth. Gibson said limiting flavors and ending advertising would help lower future nicotine addiction.

“Tobacco companies target youth in their advertising and promotion of the products,” Gibson said. “One of the things is attracted to youth is the flavors. The higher the nicotine content, the worse the product is for anybody, and the more likely it is to trigger addiction. So, I do think if these things were to take place, it would benefit our youth.”

Gibson said Upper Cumberland data follows national trends of young people increasingly becoming addicted. Gibson said tobacco use has evolved so much over the years that it is easier than ever.

“Historically, it has been cigarettes, and then the spit tobacco,” Gibson said. “But, the e-cigs are much easier to conceal, and so, the kids are using it a lot more in school. We understand in the classrooms and certainly in the restrooms, because they are not leaving the smoke trails.”