When students use e-cigarettes, also known as vape pens, many of them believe they are just vaping "flavored water". On the contrary, vaping involves inhaling "e-juice", a form of aerosol. According to the American Lung Association, aerosols typically contain flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease. Students also fail to realize that some vape pens, cartridges, or pods can contain nicotine, even when it is marketed to contain none at all. For example, according to the CDC, JUUL (a popular brand amongst 15-24 years old) always contains nicotine. They are one of the few e-cigarette brands that use nicotine salts, which allow particularly high levels of nicotine to be inhaled more easily and with less irritation than commonly used tobacco products. Vape cartridges or pods can also be filled with THC (marijuana oil), CBD, in addition to other harmful chemicals.
NOTE: If a vape pen has more than one gram of THC, students will be arrested and charged with a third degree felony.
Vape pens are quite easy to conceal. They do not leave a telltale scent, and many of them can be disguised as commonly known items, such as a small USB drive and/or a Sharpie. Vaping is harmful to our students because it affects brain development, respiratory systems, and in some cases, will cause psychological effects. It could lead to an addiction, or students wanting to "chase a high" and experiment with other drugs like heroin, cocaine, LSD, PCP, meth, fentanyl, etc.
Many students do not know the facts. Talk to them about what they are doing to their physical and mental health. Encourage parents to start the conversation at home.
Check out the references and resources below for more information.
Talking to Youth & Young Adults
Talk to Your Child About Drugs (Parent Resource)
American Lung Association: Talk About Vaping
Quick Facts on the Risks
Opioid Crisis: The Story of a Fentanyl Victim
Drug Overdoses Top 100,000
