It’s a busy time of the year for many. Students head back to school, families are gearing up for fall sports, and parents are checking off the items on their kids’ back-to-school lists.

Unfortunately, it now also means parents must prepare for a growing health and safety concern circulating within our middle and high schools: vaping.

Vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are battery powered devices that use a liquid which is heated into an aerosol and then inhaled. The look of these devices can vary widely, resembling traditional cigarettes or everyday carry objects like pens, USB memory sticks, or other technology-based items. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or purchase an e-cigarette.

While the rate of teens who smoke traditional cigarettes are in decline, the use of electronic cigarettes is rising in popularity. In our area, underage use of e-cigarettes has nearly doubled from 16% in 2016 to 30% in 2018. That means almost one-third of our teens and tweens admit to having vaped within the last 30 days.

There are many misperceptions about the use of e-cigarettes. Some students presume that they are vaping flavored water which is not harmful. In fact, the contents are not regulated, and one pod can contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes. Those who vape subject themselves to a variety of toxic chemicals and known carcinogens. Pods may contain other dangerous chemicals or drugs, as well. A dangerous variety of liquids may be consumed through vaping.

Science has proven that the adolescent brain is more susceptible to addiction. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 9 out of 10 smokers began their use while still under the legal age limit.

Vaping has also become popular with students because of the flavor. The vaping pods come in a variety of flavors that appeal to young people, like bubble gum, most any fruit you can think of, and even cotton candy.

Parents and guardians should be aware that vaporless products exist, as well. It is not always easy to discern when a youth is vaping.

As a parent, I know there is no resource more precious in Michigan than our children. We must work together to do all we can to protect our young people from dangerous substances and the risks associated with them. I hope you will join me in this movement to educate our community and our young people on the dangers of vaping. This growing problem calls for a collaborative effort from families, schools, law enforcement, retailers, and more to become educated and act on these health and safety threats.

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