Health Impact of E-Cigarettes, Vaping on Douglas County Youth

Nicotine use is a persistent challenge for youth in Douglas County communities. According to a policy brief on tobacco retail proximity and density, published in 2024 by Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, 25% of 10th and 12th graders in Douglas County report using e-cigarettes or vaping products. E-cigarettes, most commonly referred to as “vaping” or “juuling”, can be used to deliver nicotine, cannabis (THC, CBD), flavorings, chemicals, and other substances. Cartridge-based and disposable e-cigarettes contain nicotine salts that do not produce vapor or visible emissions when the device is used and may make the product even more addictive.

What’s harmful about e-cigarettes?

Nicotine can harm adolescent brain development, particularly the parts of the brain responsible for attention, memory, and learning. Using nicotine in adolescence can also increase the risk of future addiction to other drugs.

Tobacco Retailer Proximity to Schools

Douglas County is experiencing an increase in tobacco retailers and vape shops. In Lawrence, the city has an extremely high density of tobacco retailers, with more than 1 tobacco retailer per 1000 people. In some areas of Lawrence, there are 6.7 tobacco retailers per 1000 people. Of bigger concern, is the proximity of tobacco retailers to children. Twenty percent of schools in Lawrence have 10 or more retailers within walking distance. This includes elementary schools.

Eudora and Baldwin City also have at least one tobacco retailer within a half mile of a school. National research shows when there are more stores near schools, youth smoking rates are higher. Stores near schools in some areas may be more likely to sell to minors or to display more tobacco advertising than others.

One solution communities in Douglas County may want to consider is limiting the establishment of new tobacco retailers within half a mile of public and private school. Reducing the number of tobacco retailers and the proximity to locations to educational facilities is an effective tool to reduce tobacco and nicotine access. If you are interested in learning more about this work or would like to be connected with LiveWell Tobacco-Free work group, please contact Ginny Barnard at ginnyb@ksu.edu or call 785-843-7058.