Information about Vaping
Attention Parents and Guardians of PJHS & PHS Students:
“Vaping,” or electronic cigarette use, among high school and junior high students has reached epidemic numbers and only seems to be escalating. The U.S. Surgeon General reported an increase in e-cigarette use between 2011 and 2015 of 900% among high school students. Students in middle school and even as young as elementary age are beginning to try it as well. What was initially advertised as a way to help a cigarette smoker stop smoking has become a means of enabling children to become addicted to nicotine.
Although e-cigarettes are not to be sold to children, young people certainly have no trouble getting access to them or to the nicotine-containing liquids that are used in them. With over 7,000 flavors of these “e-liquids,” such as “Gummy Bear” and “Cotton Candy,” children are certainly enticed to use them. It is very important to know that one pod of e-liquid can contain as much nicotine as a pack of regular cigarettes. Young people are also intrigued by vaping tricks they may have viewed on social media.
The appearance of e-cigarette devices vary and some of the most popular ones among youth are easily disguised as pens or USB drives, making it difficult for parents, guardians and school employees to recognize them. Students do try to use them in classrooms and school bathrooms.
Although nicotine is still the primary agent in e-cigarettes, they can also potentially release significant amounts of toxic metals such as lead, nickel, manganese and/or chromium. Nicotine is a toxic substance that can easily damage the developing brains of youth affecting memory, concentration, impulse control and cause the brain to crave more nicotine resulting in nicotine dependence.
This issue is very serious and can have detrimental life-long effects on our children. We encourage parents and guardians to check out this website to view nine signs to watch for that would indicate possible e-cigarette use:
https://raisingteenstoday.com/vape101-what-parents-need-to-know/.
Thanks for your attention to this serious issue and please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Debbie Reddick, RN
Health Aide Supervisor
Perrysburg Schools
419-874-3181, ext. 5010
[email protected]
Posted: Tuesday, October 23, 2018