Indiana lawmakers are moving toward raising the legal age for a resident of the state to buy tobacco and vaping products. According to Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma, the age should be raised from 18 to 21. The increase in youth vaping deaths and illness has caused many in government positions to discuss whether something could be done to combat the public health epidemic.

Previously, there was the argument that if one is old enough to serve in the army, one should be old enough to use alcohol or tobacco. However, many lawmakers who backed this argument have recently changed their opinions as armed services and veterans’ groups agree with stricter regulations regarding the legal age to buy. Additionally, lawmakers are debating banning or limiting flavors associated with vaping products. Last, there is a push to increase taxes on tobacco products throughout the state in the hopes of incentivizing people through their wallets to not smoke.

The Dangers of Vaping in Indiana

Indiana has seen one death in 2019 from a mystery illness of the lungs that was linked to the use of e-cigarettes. This individual marked the third person who died from using vaping devices across the country. Vaping devices have also cost over 450 injuries in the United States. According to the CDC, there are 450 individuals who are being looked at as potential cases for having a lung disease from vaping devices. 

In the 450 cases looked at, 215 were confirmed and they came from 33 states in the country and one U.S. territory. In Indiana, there were 30 cases investigated and eight were confirmed. The Indiana State Department of Health reported that the cases which were confirmed were in younger adults in the age range of 16 to 29.

Children Who Vape

Vaping is a risky trend that is, unfortunately, attracting many younger individuals. There are many instances in which younger people who are not of legal age to buy tobacco or vaping products have been able to do so anyway. Often, those who are vaping and getting sick are using THC or other unbranded e-liquids that are not tested. This is extremely dangerous.

If you are separated from your partner and you have teenage children, you cannot be naive. Even if you and your former partner do not smoke, your children are likely being exposed to smoking and the popular trend of vaping. It is important that you and your partner stay on the same page while you are divorcing so that you can keep the ideals and fundamentals by which you want to raise your kids constant.

The best way to ensure that your children keep their consistency and structure during the difficult time of divorce is by divorcing in a collaborative way. Christopher L. Arrington, P.C. is a resourceful Danville collaborative divorce attorney who can help make your divorce process go much more smoothly. I am specifically trained in the collaborative divorce process, which is not something that all attorneys can say. When you are separating, it is best to do it with as little stress as possible, and an experienced Indiana divorce attorney can help immensely. Call my Indiana collaborative divorce law firm at 317-745-4494 today so we talk about your situation during a free consultation.