TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) -- Dr. Faiz Bhora, Professor and Chair of Surgery for Hackensack Meridian Health's Central Region, is seeing what he calls an epidemic among teens who vape or use tobacco.
"I think the trend unfortunately continues to show a positive increase - and by positive, I mean just an increase in its use," said Bhora. "The best really is to absolutely abstain from vaping, sometimes easier said than done."
While getting teens to stop using these potentially dangerous products is a separate challenge altogether, lawmakers in Trenton are on a mission.
A package of bills that advanced this week includes legislation that would increase penalties for certain prohibited sales of tobacco and vape products. It would also require more frequent inspections of cigarette and vape product dealers.
The package would also direct the State Departments of Education and Health to develop guidelines for school districts concerning vaping awareness campaigns.
"If you educate people, you give them a tremendous blessing, you give them power, you give them agency," said Assemblyman Herb Conaway, a Medical Doctor who has made it one of his core missions to get young people to stop using these products – many of which come in fruit or candy flavors they want.
"If we can stop children from starting, then we can do a lot to extend their lives, and healthy lives at that," said Conaway (D-NJ 7th District).
