Know the Facts Youth tobacco product use increased during 2017-2018. Show What is an e-cigarette? JUUL, an e-cigarette shaped like a USB flash drive, is now the most commonly sold e-cigarette in the United States. JUUL uses liquid nicotine refills called “pods,” which contain at least as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes. What is in the aerosol? Youth use of any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, is unsafe. All JUUL e-cigarettes contain a high level of nicotine. Other health risks for youth and young adults. Also, defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, a few of which have resulted in serious injuries. Children have also been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes. Nationally, approximately 50% of calls to poison control centers for e-cigarettes are for kids 5 years of age or younger. Flavors and marketing make e-cigarettes appealing to youth. E-cigarettes are also advertised using the same themes and tactics that have been shown to increase youth initiation of other tobacco products, including cigarettes. In 2016, about 8 in 10 middle school and high school students—more than 20 million youth—said they had seen e-cigarette advertising. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section for additional information on youth and e-cigarettes. TobaccoState LawIn 2019, the 86th Legislature passed Senate Bill 21, increasing the legal age from 18 to 21 for the sale, distribution, possession, purchase, consumption or receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes or tobacco products. The State Law became effective September 1, 2019. The City’s Tobacco 21 ordinance is no longer in effect. Minors – Education and PreventionThe Texas Comptroller’s Office provides information for minors and their families. Please visit the Texas Comptroller’s Office for more information. Information for RetailersAs of September 1, 2019, the State of Texas is now providing retailer education materials and enforcement for Senate Bill 21 (Tobacco 21). Please visit the Texas Comptroller’s Office for more information.
Take Action to protect youthWHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
WHAT CAN EDUCATORS DO?
WHAT CAN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS DO?
Frequently Asked QuestionsWHAT IS AN E-CIGARETTE?
WHO IS USING E-CIGARETTES?
Why are e-cigarettes the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. middle and high school students?
Why is nicotine unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults?
How do e-cigarettes harm brain development?
What are the other risks of e-cigarettes for kids, teens, and young adults?
What is in e-cigarettes aerosol?
Can using e-cigarettes lead to future cigarette smoking among kids, teens, and young adults?
Do all e-cigarettes contain nicotine?
What is JUUL?
Are e-cigarettes regulated at the federal level?
Are there any national public education prevention campaigns focused on youth and e-cigarettes?
What else can be done by public health to reduce youth e-cigarette use and initiation?
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO PROTECT AND PREVENT THEIR CHILD FROM USING E-CIGARETTES?
WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HEATED TOBACCO PRODUCTS?
What happens if a minor is caught with tobacco in Texas?Minors who violate the tobacco law can be fined up to $100 and be required to attend a tobacco awareness program or participate in tobacco-related community service. Parents of a minor convicted of a violation may be required to attend the tobacco awareness program with their child.
What happens if you get caught with tobacco under 21 in Texas?The Penalties
Violators may be fined up to $100. Exceptions apply if the minor is in possession or receipt of cigarette, e-cigarette, or tobacco products – while in the presence of an employer – in the performance of required job duties as an employee or in the course of supervised law enforcement activities.
What happens if a minor is caught with a vape in Texas?Texas Laws on Underage Vaping
In Texas, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess, purchase, or use electronic cigarettes. Minors who violate this law could be punished by a fine of up to $250. They may also be required to participate in a tobacco awareness program or community service.
What happens if you get caught with tobacco under 21?Minor in Possession Charges in Texas
If minors under the age of 21 are caught in possession of tobacco, they could face a fine of up to $100. Additionally, violators could be required to attend a tobacco awareness program or perform community service.
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