State Representative Costa Howard Joins Youth Vaping Prevention Listening Session

LOMBARD, Ill. – In an effort to raise awareness of the negative consequences of youth vaping and to collaborate with the community on effective strategies to combat the growing trend, state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, joined a panel at the DuPage County Youth Vaping Prevention Listening Session, hosted by radio station WGN 720.

“Nicotine of any kind is unhealthy for teens, yet many young people believe e-cigarettes are a safe alternative to tobacco and traditional cigarettes,” said Costa Howard. “In fact, vaping is dangerous for teens and adults alike. I frequently hear concerns about teen vaping from parents, teachers and school administrators. Now I’m working in Springfield to address this problem through legislation to expand anti-vaping education in our schools and increase the legal age to purchase and use these products.”

Monday’s listening session featured local students, health professionals, school administrators, and local advocates. Costa Howard previously sponsored legislation to ban flavored tobacco products, such as flavored juice for vapes and e-cigarettes; that legislation is supported by the American Lung Association, the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.