Vapes that are also iPhone cases? Call the Quit Line for help.
The Great American Smokeout is Nov. 20. This year, parents are alerted not just to the dangers of their teens smoking – but also to the new tobacco products their kids might be using. Examples of these products include:
- Vapes designed to look like smart phones.
- Vapes that look like purses.
- Vape products that double as iPhone cases.
“As a clinician and tobacco science researcher, these products raise serious public health concerns, especially for adolescents,” said Dr. Hasmeena Kathuria, director of the UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention in
Madison. “Products like smart vapes, which integrate smartphone features and vaping devices into one, expose teens to two highly addictive behaviors: screen use and nicotine. Vaping poses significant health risks to youth, and products like these only heighten the risk.”
Companies tend to make their products affordable for youth and with flavors that appeal to children. Regardless of intention, the result is a product that could cause addiction.
For example, one brand, Humo Case, has created iPhone cases with vape flavors like Blue Razz Ice, Watermelon Ice, Triple Berry and Miami Mint. Each case offers 30,000 puffs and retails for $24.99.
Free Help
If your teen smokes, chews, or vapes these or other tobacco products, there’s help. For help with addressing addiction to any tobacco product, visit the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at wiquitline.org. For help addressing vaping addiction, visit livevapefree.com. The coaching is free, nonjudgemental and available 24/7.
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CONTACT:
Chris Hollenback
University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention
608-417-9047