As part of its work to protect children and teens from smoking and vaping, Clallam County Health and Human Services is reminding the public that Engrossed House Bill 1074 goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, when it will become illegal to sell tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21.

In 2018, one in five Washington 10th graders and one in three 12th graders reported using vapor products. Nearly all people who smoke begin smoking before age 21 – while their brains are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nicotine – and most young people get tobacco and nicotine products form peers in their social networks who can legally buy them.

Kids who vape are at an increased risk of initiating cigarette smoking; raising the legal age of sale will help protect young people by preventing them from getting tobacco and vapor products from 18, 19, or 20-year-olds.

Tobacco kills more than 8,000 Washingtonians each year. Washingtonians can get free help to quit smoking or vaping by contacting the Washington State Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or by accessing a smartphone app at www.doh.wa.gov/quit.

Parents and schools can find more information about how to address youth vaping at www.youthnow.me/schools.