Anything that is a liquid can be vaped which can create very dangerous situations. Propylene Glycol is one ingredient that causes the “throat hit” and vegetable glycerin creates the cloud, and those are ingredients that can be ingested safely into the body but it is uncertain if inhaled into the lungs is safe. In addition the e-cigarette has a dual use and there are some users who put marijuana in them.
The Juul was originally created to help cigarette smokers quit smoking but vaping has not been approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation method. Youth are able to purchase it online for about $50 for a starter kit. It comes with 4 pods and refills cost about $15. To appease the public, the manufacturers are now requiring youth upload a copy of their license to make sure they are 21 years old or older.
In 2016 vaping was regulated to make it illegal for anyone under 18. Cavallo is hoping that will go up to age 21. Starting this summer there will be warning statements on packaging. Research is ongoing as there are still many unknowns about e-cigarettes and other chemicals in them.
Ellington resident state troopers were on hand to discuss the vaping in our schools and community. The use of e-cigarettes is not allowed on school property. If a student under 16 years old is caught using an e-cigarette they are referred to the JRB (Juvenile Review Board). For anyone age 16-17 it is an infraction that comes with a fine. Anyone age 18 and older on school property it is also an infraction. Because the Juul is so easy to conceal and the vapor so easily dissipated it is often difficult to catch youth in the act of "vaping." In schools across the country, it seems the bathroom is the easiest place to vape. Some youth have been so bold to keep the device in their sleeve and lean over to vape right in class. Cavallo suggests to teachers they move about their classroom instead of staying in the front.
Both Dana Cavallo and the troopers urged that parents find opportunities to talk to their children about vaping. Find out what they know, give them some information or look it up together. She suggests the Surgeon General’s website www.surgeongeneral.gov. Many youth are unaware that what they are inhaling is actually nicotine. It’s never too early to have the discussion. Cavallo feels a campaign similar to the anti-smoking campaigns may be needed for vaping.
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