TUCSON – It’s being called an epidemic.

We are talking about teens who use vaping devices that are packed with highly addictive nicotine.

Especially concerning is the fact that research shows nicotine can potentially harm brain development through the age of 26.

So, what are local retailers doing to try to keep these products out of the hands of those who are too young to legally buy them?

Under federal rules, retailers who sell products containing nicotine must ask for identification from anyone age 27 and under.

The News 4 Tucson Investigators wanted to find out if smoke shops are actually following those rules.

We went to ten different smoke shops in central Tucson, and on the south, west, and east sides.

Out of ten smoke shops the News 4 Tucson Investigators checked out, a total of seven did not ask for any type of I.D. to by vaping products containing nicotine.

Some of those that didn’t say they understand the rules, but at times, following them can be a challenge.

Both federal and state authorities do their own undercover stings of smoke shops. Those who do not check ID can end up with a warning, followed by fines for repeat offenders.

If you have something you would like the News 4 Tucson Investigators to investigate, email us at investigators@kvoa.com, or call the News 4 Tucson Investigators tip-line at (520)944-4444.