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Hailey's Story
In August of 2019, Hailey became North Dakota's first reported case of e-cigarette and vaping associated lung injury (EVALI). As a recent high school graduate, she never thought something like this would happen to her. Even though her mom constantly sent her stories about the dangers of vaping, like most teens she shrugged it off. However, when Hailey woke up with severe back pain one morning in August of 2019 her views on invincibility quickly changed. To clarify, Hailey vaped only e-liquid containing nicotine. She did NOT vape any products containing THC.


Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States.  According to the North Dakota State Smoke-free Law, smoking includes the use of electronic cigarettes.

Addicting a New Generation to Nicotine
According to a 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey 33.1% of North Dakota high school students reported that they currently use electronic vapor products. While these latest tobacco products no longer resemble a pack of combustible cigarettes, they still contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical harmful to youth brain development. 

One of the most popular products being used by youth is called the JUUL. A JUUL is a small device that fits in the palm of your hand and closely resembles a flash drive. It uses what’s known as a pod. This pod is filled with e-liquid, which contains the equivalent amount of nicotine found in one pack of cigarettes, as stated on JUULs’ website. According to a study from Truth Initiative, 15-17 year olds are 16 times more likely to be a current JUUL user than adults age 25-34.



In North Dakota, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to use any tobacco product, including vapes, mods, and JUULs.  They are legal for adult use, however they are currently not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a smoking cessation device.  For a complete list of FDA approved cessation devices, click here. Proper Disposal of E-Cigarettes
E-Cigarettes, vapes, MODS and JUUL's all contain chemicals that are potentially harmful to the environment. For information on how to properly dispose of these products click here.

E-Cigarettes and Brain Development
It takes until the mid to late 20’s for a person’s brain to fully develop. When adolescent brains are exposed to nicotine before their brain is fully developed, it can lead to serious and long lasting issues. Mood swings, problems with decision making, and increased susceptibility to addiction are just a few of the concerns that arise when youth and young people use products that contain nicotine.




Parents/Adults: Talking with kids about Vaping
Tobacco products of today look a lot different than they did ten years ago. E-cigarettes have only been around since about the early 2000’s; not nearly as long as combustible cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco. With the ever changing landscape, it’s difficult to stay on top of the new and emerging products that are making their way into the hands of North Dakota’s youth. Check out the resources below for more information on e-cigarettes and young people.
Education Opportunities
Interested in more information? Give us a call at 701.355.1597 or email skahler@bismarcknd.gov to schedule a community or group presentation on e-cigarettes/vapes/MODs/JUULs.