MPR News with Angela Davis

Minnesota now restricts where you can vape. Will that curb teen use?

E-cigarettes and vaping devices are now restricted under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, which prevents tobacco smoking in many indoor public places, from bars to workplaces.

Use of vaping devices by teenagers has been rising. The new restrictions took effect just in time for the start of the new school year.

According to a Minnesota Health Department annual survey on young people and tobacco from 2018, about 26 percent of Minnesota high school students are using some form of tobacco or nicotine, up from 24 percent in 2014.

One in 5 high school students use e-cigarettes - a nearly 50 percent increase from 2014, according to MDH.

Related: New law curbs e-cigarette use indoors beginning Aug. 1

Previously: Led by e-cigs, MN youth tobacco use rises for first time since 2000

Your story: Do you or do your kids use e-cigarettes?

Two experts on teen vaping talk about the new restrictions, how schools are enforcing the law, and what parents need to know if their children are vaping.

Guests:

LaTrisha Vetaw, health and policy advocate at Northpoint Health and Wellness Center. She is also a Minneapolis Park Board commissioner.

Chris Lawler, licensed alcohol and drug counselor for Relate Counseling Center. He spends several days a week at Mound Westonka High School in Mound, Minn.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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