Lake Wales, FL – The Lake Wales Police Department carried out compliance checks at gas stations and smoke shops across Lake Wales, Florida, to ensure businesses adhere to laws prohibiting tobacco and vape sales to minors. The operation involved underage volunteers under close supervision to verify retailer compliance. Focused on protecting youth and holding retailers accountable, the checks are not intended to result in arrests. Conducted at least once a year, the initiative covers vapes, tobacco, and alcohol sales.
E-cigarettes produce an aerosol containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, which users inhale. According to the CDC, nicotine exposure from vaping can impair adolescent brain development, affecting attention, learning, and impulse control. The FDA reports that e-cigarette aerosol may include harmful substances like heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, potentially causing lung injury. A 2023 study in The Lancet indicates vaping increases respiratory risks, though less severely than traditional smoking. Long-term health impacts are still being researched due to limited data.
