Key Points:

• Alaska’s vaping industry provided more than $40 million in economic activity in 2018 while generating 196 direct vaping-related jobs. 

• As of December 3, 2019, ADHSS has reported one case of vaping-related lung illness, with the patient reporting use of a THC-containing vapor product. ADHSS earns an A for its reporting on vaping-related lung illnesses.

• In 2017, 15.7 percent of Alaska high school students reported using vapor products on at least one day in the previous 30 days. There is no information on frequent and/or daily use. More data is needed.   

• Only 1 percent of FDA retail compliance checks in Alaska resulted in sales of e-cigarettes to minors from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019.

• Alaska spends very little on tobacco prevention. In 2019, Alaska dedicated only $9.1 million or 10 percent of what the state received in tobacco settlement payments and taxes.