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Nicotine Free

Greater Mankato

Nicotine-Free Greater Mankato is dedicated to protecting our community from the harms of flavored commercial tobacco. We advocate for policy change, educate to prevent youth use, and connect young people with resources to live healthy, nicotine-free lives.

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Mission

Nicotine-Free Greater Mankato is dedicated to protecting our community from the harms of flavored commercial tobacco. We advocate for policy change, educate to prevent youth use, and connect young people with resources to live healthy, nicotine-free lives.

Flavored commercial tobacco products are marketed to youth online and in the community. Tobacco corporation profits are driven by the sale of kid-friendly flavors. The fruit, candy and menthol flavors mask the harm caused by large amounts of nicotine and other known and unknown chemicals.

Now is the time to take action.

“The nicotine levels in today’s e-cigarettes can have serious consequences for adolescent brain development and overall health, making it an urgent public health issue.”
Dr. Katie Smentek, Mankato Clinic Pediatrics

Why pursue a local policy?

Local Policies Pave Way

  • 28% of Minnesotans already live in communities that restrict the sale of flavored tobacco! 6

Today’s Popular Vapes

  • Contain high levels of nicotine, which harm adolescent brain development and prime youth for addiction.4, 5

Studies Show

  • Local flavor restrictions reduce the chance that teens will ever try tobacco products. 3

Thousands of Products on Retail Shelves

  • But only 38 e-cigarettes & oral nicotine pouches authorized by the FDA for sale!6
Product and packaging of Loon Air

Loon Air 6,000 puffs
(13 ml x 60 mg)

26 Packs of Cigarettes6

Product and packaging of Elf Bar

Elf Bar 3,500+ puffs
(10.5 ml x 50 mg)

17.5 Packs of Cigarettes6
An assortment of nicotine pouches

Each pouch may contain up to the equivalent amount of nicotine found in

8 cigarettes.8

1 in 7 infographic

Vape

In 2023, 14% of high school students vaped in the past 30 days.1

92 percent infographic

Addiction

Among those who vape, 92%
show signs of nicotine addiction.2

Hope

70% students who vape want to quit– with many attempting 10+ times.1

Nicotine and the Young Brain

Nicotine used in adolescence can affect parts of the brain that control learning, mood, memory, attention and impulse.9

31 percent graphic

Nicotine and Mental Health

31% of students who use commercial tobacco report symptoms of anxiety and depression—tobacco harms both mental and physical health!10

E-Cigarettes Aerosol Contains

Nicotine, carcinogens (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde), toxic metals (chromium, nickel, tin, lead), ultrafine particles, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene.11

Source references can be found at https://bit.ly/SourceReferencesNFGM