Wisconsin youths are smoking less but using other tobacco products more, according to a Thursday release by the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network found the teen smoking rate to be 10.7 percent, below the 12.7 percent national average, according to a survey. However, the data brought mixed results with a spike of nearly 4 percent in the use of other tobacco products, according to the release.
ACSCAN is investigating health effects of electronic cigarettes and has found they cause nicotine addiction and damage to developing brains, according to the release. The organization is continuing its efforts to reduce youth tobacco use, namely by advocating for higher taxes on tobacco products.
“There is strong scientific evidence that high tobacco taxes are one of the most effective means to reduce tobacco use, especially among kids,” American Heart Association spokesperson Chris Klein said.
This survey was the first in which a question was asked about e-cigarettes. Eight percent of students use electronic cigarettes, which is more than half of the national average, according to the release.
