The city Department of Public Health’s “Don’t Get Finessed” effort aims to educate young people about vaping risks and nicotine use. It coincides with enforcement of Act 57, which took effect Oct. 19 and prohibits retailers from selling electronic nicotine products not listed in the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s directory.

About 19% of Philadelphia youth currently use e-cigarettes, while 38% have tried them, according to city figures. The problem persists even in schools with prevention measures: Harmony Ellis, a 12th grader at Girard College, said vape detectors in school bathrooms have not stopped students from vaping.

Dr. Samara Jinks-Cheng, an adolescent addiction doctor at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said vaping has become more common among young people than traditional cigarette smoking. She cautioned that cigarette smoking rates may not capture the extent of youth nicotine use because many young people vape instead.

The state restrictions are also prompting concern among some small-business owners. Rosa Aguilera, who owns Girard Mini Mart, said removing vape products could cost the store significant revenue, particularly after it recently took out its gaming machines. Aguilera said she checks customers’ identification and has not sold vaping products to minors; she also argued adults should be able to decide whether to use nicotine.

Philadelphia health officials say education will be paired with enforcement. Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson of the city health department described the approach as offering education first and using the full extent of the law when it does not work.

Separately, the Pennsylvania House recently passed legislation that would impose fines on store owners who illegally sell vaping products to minors. The city campaign and state product rules address different parts of the issue: reducing young people’s use while limiting the products available for sale.