JACKSON, Miss.(WJTV) – The federal government says the use of e-cigarettes by teens is an epidemic, and Mississippi’s Attorney General Jim Hood says he’s taking action.

Hood announced Friday he’s taking the necessary steps to raise awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes or “vaping.”



“The problem we’re seeing with it are the fact it’s a liquid. It is mixed in mom and pop stores, in the back of these stores by people who are not licensed. There are no standards at all what the content of these pods may contain,” Hood said.

Last year a survey was done by Mississippi Tobacco Data, and they found traditional cigarette use by teens dropped to an all-time low. While, e-cigarette use is up nearly 12 percent.

The Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi has teamed up with the state to help parents and teachers become aware of the risks.

Executive Director Sandra Shelson explained, “These children have access to those highly addictive substance at any time. Parents if you smell cucumber in your kids room, its not because they’re eating a salad, its because they’re using one of these things. be vigilant about it.”

In October, the AG’s office plans to roll out an e-cigarette campaign called, “Question It,” and they hope to get support from the rest of the state.