VAPING
Vapes (also be known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, tanks, mods, etc.), are battery-operated devices that people use to inhale an aerosol which typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. They can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or even everyday items like pens, USB memory sticks, smartphones, highlighters, and toys. There are even vapes with built-in digital games. Regardless of their design, appearance, and functions, vapes are increasingly dangerous for youth.
vaping: an environmental health hazard
dangerous for us, dangerous for the earth
How vaping companies target youth
Hooking the next generation
Hidden in Plain Sight
Not only are vapes themselves hidden as everyday items, but there are many other ways to vaping. There are hoodies that let you vape through the string. There are hair brushes and pop cans with hidden compartments. And this secrecy extends to phone apps designed to look harmless, but actually are a sneaky messaging system.
If you’d like to learn more, request a Hidden in Plain Sight presentation for your school or community group. During this adults only presentation, we go over signs of youth substance use, what parents and caring adults can look for, the latest youth use trends, and what resources exist.
Local Vaping Trends
All data is from the 2013-2022 Minnesota Student Survey.
Vaping rates are fluctuating among Minnesota youth.*
Flavored vapes are most commonly used by Minnesotan youth.
Youth in Minnesota primarily get their vapes from friends.
Youth in Minnesota are more likely to vape than smoke a cigarette.
The Good News
91%
of Minnesota 8th, 9th, and 11th graders have not vaped in the past month
99%
of Minnesota 5th graders have not vaped in the past month
90%
of Minnesota 5th graders have not been in a room with someone who vaped in the past week
Vape Collection with Wright County Schools
Each year, MEADA partners with our local schools to collect and dispose of vapes in a safe manner. These are primarily nicotine vapes confiscated by school staff and school resource officers. In just one school year (2024-2025), we collected 419 vapes. The year before, we collected 397.
