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Worried about ‘vaping,’ e-cig use by students

I am the mother of three, employed as a community health specialist, and am a former employee of the Florence County School District. I know that teachers are used to dealing with disruptions in the classroom — things like passing notes, using cell phones, talking out of turn, etc.

Now, teachers have a new one to worry about — JUUL e-cigarettes.

An alarming upward trend occurring across the country, especially in middle schools and high schools, as well as in our own communities, is of kids smoking e-cigarettes or “vaping.” The practice of inhaling through a vape pen can also be referred to as “JUULing,” named after a brand called JUUL, which make devices that are easily concealed. They can be hidden in pens and highlighters, and can be mistaken for flash drives that can actually be charged on a laptop or computer.

I am concerned about this from a public health standpoint because some kids are doing it every day, and they think it is harmless, “just a water vapor with nicotine in it.” Kids are using these products in school bathrooms, and hallways. They can easily hide the vapor by blowing into their shirts because there isn’t as much of a smell, and teachers don’t know about them.

Older kids have mentioned that the nicotine buzz is the main reason they use these products and the flavors are an added bonus. The devices come in desirable flavors like mango, cool mint, fruit medley and crème Brule. Flavors are the number one reason that younger kids try them.

Kids under the age of 18 can get these products by using a prepaid Visa gift card, and have it delivered to a friend’s house. Some websites require picture identification, but it is easy to fake it. Older kids can buy the products and sell them to the younger kids.

Some kids think that it is legal to use vapes/JUULs, but it is illegal to purchase if you are underage.

The long-term effects of vaping e-liquids — a solution of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavors and nicotine or hash oils — are still not known. Kids are literally breathing hot chemicals into their young, developing bodies.

The most worrying aspect is the nicotine, which is damaging to brain development and is addictive. E-cigarettes can deliver a very high concentration of nicotine, which could lead to a whole new generation of nicotine dependence.

It is up to the parents and educators to try to help kids understand how dangerous these products are and to discourage the use of these products.

Provided are the following links for additional information about e-cigarettes, “vaping” and JUULing:

https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/concerns-explode-over-new-health-risks-vaping

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2017/10/31/juul-e-cigs-controversialvaping-device-popular-school-campuses/818325001

https://tobaccofreekids.org

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging/index.htm

If you have any questions or would like further information, please call the Florence County Health Department at 715-528-4837.

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