Launch the media gallery 1 playerElectronic Cigarettes (Also known as E-cigs, Juul’s, Vape Pens, etc.)
As many of you know, electronic cigarettes have become more “popular” and are one of the newest fads. As educators, we have seen a significant increase in the use of electronic cigarettes by youth which is causing us great concern for their health and safety. As a result, we would like to share some statistics and information with you below:
E-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students increased 900%, yes 900%, during 2011-2015. Current e-cigarette use increased 78% among high school students during the past two years, from 11.7% in 2017 to 20.8% in 2018. In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. youth, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students currently use e-cigarettes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 455 vape-related illnesses in 33 states and five deaths.
E-cigarette use poses a significant – and avoidable – health risk to young people in the United States. Besides increasing the possibility of addiction and long-term harm to brain development and respiratory health, e-cigarette use is associated with the use of other tobacco products that can do even more damage to the body. Even breathing e-cigarette aerosol that someone else has exhaled poses potential health risks.
E-cigarettes are designed to deliver nicotine, flavorings, and other additives to the user via an inhaled aerosol. They are not harmless. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the addictive drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impact learning, memory, and attention.
Many e-cigarettes also come in kid-friendly flavors. This makes e-cigarettes more appealing to youth; however, some of the chemicals used to make certain flavors may also have health risks. E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver other drugs, including marijuana. In 2016, one-third of U.S. middle school and high school students who ever used e-cigarettes had used marijuana in e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes, making it extremely easy to conceal. Many of these e-cigarettes look like a USB flash drive called a JUUL. The JUUL experienced a 600% surge in sales during the 2016-2017. All JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine. A typical JUUL cartridge or “pod” contains about as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes. Approximately two-thirds of JUUL users aged 15-24 do not know that JUUL always contains nicotine.
Launch the media gallery 2 playerIn addition, to the health and safety concerns that have been shared with you, individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing or using e-cigarettes by law. E-cigarettes are prohibited on school grounds. Anyone who violates this rule is subject to discipline.
Here is a link to a Parent Tip Sheet that may help you in addressing any concern you may have with your child. Also, we are sharing a couple pictures showing the different shapes and sizes of e-cigarettes. In addition, some come in the form of watches. We highly recommend you Google it to learn more about what they look like as there are many varieties and new ones coming out all of the time.
Source: Office of the Surgeon General
