Overview of the Vaping Epidemic

The number of youth that use vaping products (such as e-cigarettes, mods, vaping pens and Juuls) has continued to rapidly increase. Use of vaping devices is not limited to middle and high school student. There have been incidents of elementary children found using vaping devices on school premises.

Contrary to the advertisements targeted to youth that vaping is safe alternative to smoking there are serious health risk for students who use vaping products:

•  Risk of addiction- nicotine is higher levels than traditional cigarettes

•  Risk of overdose- vaping devises can contain other substances such as liquid THC (the active substance in marijuana), synthetic cannabinoids, and other illegal   substances. These chemicals possibly result in convulsions, heart problems, or even a psychotic break.

•  Damage to Lungs - aerosols from vaping products contain harmful chemicals which includes EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use-Associated Lung Injury).

•  Risk of susceptibility of COVID-19 due to lower immune system and vulnerability of lungs.

Signs a Student Maybe Vaping

• Unexplained sweet scent (from the flavored e-liquid/e-juice)

• Pens and USB drive that don’t look different

• Skipping caffeinated drinks

• Increased thirst/Dark circles under eyes (dehydration triggered by Propylene Glycol)

• Changes in Taste (dry mouth makes

• Nosebleeds (nose dried out from Propylene Glycol)

• Bloody sores in Mouth/Smoker’s Cough (decreased immune system)

• Discarded components of vaping product C

• Unfamiliar batteries and chargers

  • Organic cotton balls and/or Metallic wires

  • Atomizers (turns e-liquid into vaper)

  • Juul Pods

Resources available to help students who want to quit vaping:

• Quitting e-cigarettes

• Contact your School Counselor, School Social Worker, or School Psychologist to discuss any concerns about your student and/or to request resources.

• For additional resources or information, contact Dr. Lionel Kato Email Dr. Lionel Kato

The Teen Vaping Trend- What Parents Need to Know

Dec. 14, 2017 by The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

With the recent Monitoring the Future Study release indicating that nearly one in three 12th graders reported using a vaping device in the past year, it’s imperative that parents are informed of the potential dangers that can result from vaping.

What are Electronic Cigarettes (E-Cigarettes):

handheld devices that produce an aerosol from a solution typically containing nicotine, flavoring chemicals, and other additives for inhalation through a mouthpiece by the user (alternative names include “e-cigs,” electronic cigars [or “e-cigars”], electronic nicotine delivery systems, electronic hookah [or “e-hookah”], hookah sticks, personal vaporizers, mechanical mods, vape pens, pod systems, and vaping devices);