Tobacco and Vapor 21 Law

On January 1,2020 a new law went into effect in Washington State that makes it illegal to sell tobacco and vapor products to anyone under age 21. This new law:

• Helps prevent initiation. Most people that smoke cigarettes start before age 18 and become addicted to nicotine.
• Decreases and delays youth use. Studies from the Institute of Medicine show raising the age to purchase tobacco will decrease youth initiation by 25%.
• Reduces tobacco related deaths and improves health. Every year 8,000 people in Washington die from tobacco related illnesses.

Smoking in Public Places 

In 2005 Washington voters approved expanding the Clean Indoor Air Act, now called Smoking in Public Places Law, which makes all indoor public places and workplaces smoke free. The law prohibits smoking in any indoor enclosed public places all the time.

You can confidentially report smoking violations online

Help to Quit Smoking and Vaping Truth Initiative has helped more than 250,000 youth and young adults on their journey to quit vaping. Learn more about how it works and the additional resources available for parents of young vapers and for adults who want to quit.    Adolescent years are times of important brain development. Nicotine exposure during adolescence and young adulthood can cause addiction and harm the developing brain. E-Cigs and Young Adults - Know the Risks You might be surprised at what’s in your vape?

Severe lung injuries have been reported in Washington State due to vaping.

For free help call the Washington Tobacco Quitline at 1.800.QUIT-NOW or try the 2MorrowQuitTM app.

Secondhand smoke causes an estimated 49,400 lung cancer and heart disease deaths among non-smokers every year in the United States, and is known to cause asthma and chronic respiratory infections.  Thirdhand smoke is the chemical residue left behind by tobacco smoke. When a person smokes in a room, it can leave behind stale odor or turn walls, carpets and other surfaces a sticky yellow. Over time, these surfaces can build up toxins.  Children are at even greater risk than adults because they crawl on surfaces, wash their hands less and are more likely to touch items that have germs.

Resources for Parents and Guardians