The Pueblo Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (PTEPP) Program provides education on tobacco- and nicotine-related information. We do this through educating the community on the negative health impacts that are associated with tobacco and nicotine products, and how those health impacts negatively impact certain populations more than other populations. PTEPP also provides prevention measures to the community such as presentations, tobacco-free signs, policy measures, and programs like Second Chance.

 

For more information on specific resources, click the buttons below.

Fact:

Teens who start vaping are 4x more likely to smoke cigarettes a year later

A tobacco vape product next to 4 cigarettes

Fact:

Vaping can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, sinus infections, nosebleeds, and asthma.

image of lungs

How much do you know about youth vaping?

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among both middle and high school students. Disturbingly high rates of frequent and daily e-cigarette use suggest many teens have a teenss have a strong dependence on nicotine

Some teens report using e-cigarette in school bathrooms and even in the class room.

Did you know?

  • E-cigarettes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and may not look like a tobacco product, which can make them hard to stop.
  • Some devices popular among teens are as small as a USB flash drive and even look like one.
  • Certain products emit very low amounts of aerosol or "vapor," which makes them easier to use discreetly than combustible cigarettes.
  • Most e-cigarette contain nicotine, the same highly addictive drug in cigarettes. Some e-cigarettes may contain as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes.

Many teens have dangerous misperceptions that lead them to believe that vaping is harmless.

Important facts to share with youth

 

Vape aerosol can contain harmful chemicals

vaping can expose the user's lungs to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, acrolein, acetaldehyde, which are known to cause irreversible lung damage.

 
There can be danger behind the flavor

Vapes get their flavors from chemicals. While these flavorings are safe to eat in food, they're not safe to inhale. Inhaling flavor chemicals can harm your lungs.

 

Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive

Vaping delivers nicotine to the brain in as little as 10 seconds. A teen's brain is still developing, making it more vulnerable to nicotine addiction. Nicotine exposure during the teen years can disrupt normal brain development.

 
Vapers could be inhaling metal particles into their lungs

Vape aerosol could be delivering metal particles like chromium, nickel, lead, tin and aluminum right into your lungs. Some of these metals are toxic.

Quit Resources

My life My Quit

Join thousands of teens who are taking their lives back.

My Life, My Quit™ is the free and confidential way to quit smoking or vaping. Text "Start My Quit" to 36072 or vist their websiste to chat with a Coach. My Life, My Quit™ is there for you every step of the way. It's YOUR LIFE and we're here to help you live it YOUR WAY.

Colorado QuitLine

Quitting tobacco is a process. Whether you are thinking about quitting, are not yet ready to quit, or have already quit, Colorado QuitLine can help you with each step of the way.

Enroll now for free coaching and quit medications

Health Promotion Specialists in Tobacco Prevention:

Nikayta Neu, BS

I am passionate about educating the community on the health impacts related to tobacco and nicotine products. I have learned a lot about the tobacco industry while working for the Pueblo Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (PTEPP) Program, and it's my goal to provide the needed resources and education to the Pueblo community.

Melinda Sentence, MPH

I enjoy community engagement, educating individuals, and promoting a healthier and safer environment. I love making community connections through developing partnerships and providing the needed resources.

Tobacco Retail Licensing

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