Bri Trivett, 19, vapes. She knows it’s bad for her, but she doesn’t care, and if the state of Florida tries to take away her right to smoke, she’ll be angry. According to Trivett, it doesn’t make sense an 18-year-old can’t purchase cigarettes or vape but can fight for this country.

 

A new bill, referred to as Florida 21, is making its way through the state Legislature. If passed, it would prohibit the possession or purchase of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21, apart from individuals in U.S. armed services.

 

Hannah Gonçalves, student and Florida resident, is a heart-healthy person and recognizes the effects of secondhand smoke, but she’s still apt the law. “When you’re 18, you should be allowed to make up your own decisions,” says Gonçalves, “even if people get addicted at young ages.”

 

Another university student, Vee Burdyl, knows increasing the minimum sale age for tobacco products is a positive strategy to reduce smoking and other tobacco use among youth and save lives. Shifting the age limit will lower risks of secondhand smoke and nicotine addictions, says Burdyl. 

 

Patrick Piper, respiratory therapist, says changing the age of tobacco laws doesn’t matter, people will obtain the product illegally. He says to diminish tobacco use-- knowledge is key. Referencing the text Egan’s Fundamental Respiratory Care, Piper says lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Around 5,000 cancer-related deaths occur annually from either active mainstream tobacco use or from passive sidestream smoke, according to Piper. 

 

 “Once your lung tissue is dead— it’s dead, you can’t restore it,” says Piper, and it’s imperative that people understand this fact. 

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“Close to  5 percent of smokers try their first cigarette before age 21,” according to the American Lung Association. The American Lung Association supports raising the age for the sale of tobacco products to 21. 

 

According to the American Heart Associate, one in five high schoolers use tobacco and 90 percent of smokers experience tobacco for the first time by age 18. The American Heart Associate’s coin phrase, “tobacco endgame” defines the organization’s mindset to eliminate the U.S.’s tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

 

If you or anyone you know would like more information on living a tobacco-free life visit: heart.org or Lung.org. 

 

 

Written by: Jessica Volz