A new report has uncovered a significant disparity in vaping rates between LGBTQ+ individuals and their heterosexual counterparts. The findings, based on data collected from 2019 to 2021, reveal that 37.8% of LGBTQ+ adults have used vaping devices compared to just 16.5% of straight individuals. These devices include e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, vaping pens, and hookah pens, according to the U.S. Surgeon General’s comprehensive 837-page report.
A Deeper Look at the Numbers
The report also delves into subgroup differences within the LGBTQ+ community. It shows that 32% of gay men, 27% of lesbians, and a striking 47% of bisexual individuals have reported vaping at some point in their lives. Although the report lacks specific data for transgender individuals, it cites the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey, which found that 37.9% of transgender youth use tobacco compared to 23.4% of cisgender youth.
The Health Risks of Vaping
E-cigarettes pose significant health risks, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). They contain harmful chemicals such as acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde, which can lead to lung and heart disease. Acrolein, in particular, is known to cause acute lung injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also highlight nicotine’s potential to impair brain development in individuals under the age of 25. Additionally, both the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Academies of Science have raised concerns about the dangers of secondhand e-cigarette smoke.
Why Vaping Is Prevalent Among LGBTQ+ Communities
The report explores why tobacco use, including vaping, is disproportionately high within the LGBTQ+ population. Structural stigma plays a critical role. A 2014 survey cited in the report found that LGBTQ+ youth living in states with fewer protective policies and less social support were more likely to use tobacco compared to those in more supportive environments. Notably, this trend was unique to LGBTQ+ youth; their heterosexual peers did not experience the same correlation between stigma and smoking.
Marketing strategies have also historically targeted the LGBTQ+ community. The report references “Project SCUM,” a 1990s-era marketing campaign by a tobacco company aimed at enticing LGBTQ+ individuals and homeless populations to smoke.
A Call for Action
Kristy Marynak, a senior science adviser at the CDC and co-editor of the report, emphasizes the urgent need to address this public health issue. “Nearly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States are caused by tobacco,” Marynak stated. “This report shines a light on the disproportionate burden borne by LGBTQ+ communities.”
With vaping gaining popularity, it is crucial to understand and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups. The findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions and stronger protective policies to mitigate the impact of tobacco and vaping products on vulnerable populations.
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