North Dakota survey puts teen vaping rate at 15 percent

North Dakota high school students are vaping at a rate of 15 percent, according to a recent state survey. Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health officials say the number reflects a shift toward new nicotine devices that offer video games and texting features, moving far beyond traditional cigarettes.

The health department points to disposable vaporizers that advertise exotic flavors designed to last up to 100,000 puffs. That capacity is equivalent to more than 400 packs of cigarettes in a single unit. Officials note that gas stations and dedicated vape stores promote these products with bright storefronts and flavor options that teens describe as fruity.

Alex Menke, a spokesperson for Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, said the constant visibility of these ads normalizes the products. Menke noted that students walk past these stores on the way to school or while riding the bus. This exposure makes the habit feel routine for young people entering their formative years.

Tobacco Coalition Director Andrew Horn warned that nicotine affects a developing brain differently than it does an adult brain. Horn stated that early exposure can set dependence in faster and make it harder to quit later. He added that the fruity flavors preferred by teens mask the taste, which complicates treatment for nicotine addiction.

Megan Rohde, a school resource officer in Mandan, reports that the age of students caught vaping is dropping. Rohde said she has seen more sixth graders in trouble for vaping in recent years. She added that some students acquire devices through Snapchat, while others are sold them by adults.

Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health will host its first vape drop-off event this November. The agency advises parents to watch for fruity or candy-like smells in a child's room, changes in mood, and new friend groups as potential warning signs.

Menke said the drop-off program aims to give families an easy way to dispose of devices. The health department plans to expand outreach efforts based on the data from the recent student survey.