Some high school students in Connecticut headed back to school this week. Health experts say the social pressure and stress factors that lead to vaping will be reintroduced.
Amber Pelletier is with the American Lung Association. She says students who vape may also be at an increased risk for the coronavirus.
“We have obviously a lot to learn about COVID, but we do know that lung health is critical in being able to fight off the virus and preventing intense infection. And so by preventing kids vaping, it will set them up to be healthier and have a bright future,” Pelletier said.
A Stanford University study found teens who had vaped were up to seven times more likely to contract the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 27 percent of high school students in Connecticut used e-cigarettes last year.
The American Lung Association wants Connecticut to prioritize restoring state funding for tobacco prevention. Pelletier says right now, there is zero contribution.