The Vaping Crisis Is Real

The vaping crisis continues to plague our communities and our country. As of today, 8 people (1 in Illinois) have died from severe respiratory complications associated with vaping. At least 380 cases have been reported across the United States.

As the CDC is working hard to understand what exactly is causing these lung issues, researchers admit that they don't know much about vaping and the long-term impact on youth.  Unfortunately, the preliminary numbers from the National Youth Tobacco Survey show a continued rise in youth e-cigarette use, especially through the use of non-tobacco flavors that appeal to kids. In particular, the data show that more than a quarter of high school students were current (past 30 day) e-cigarette users in 2019 and the overwhelming majority of youth e-cigarette users cited the use of popular fruit and menthol or mint flavors. 

Talk to your teen today--even if you think that s/he isn't impacted.  Here are a few facts to share with your teen:  

• Most e-cigarette pods contain nicotine. In fact, the pod from the popular JUUL brand contains the nicotine equivalent of one pack of cigarettes and the Phix pod contains the nicotine equivalent of 2 packs of regular cigarettes.
• Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs in the world, only surpassed by heroin and cocaine. 
• Adding nicotine to the growing teen brain is harmful and increases a teen's risk of addiction later in life.
• There are many chemicals contained in the vape juice and more than 20 have been deemed harmful by the DEA and at least 6 are known carcinogens. These chemicals and flavorings have never been tested in animal or human lungs. We are seeing already some of the impact. What will we see in 30 years? Remind your kids that cancer takes at least 20 years to develop. 
• A youth who vapes is 3.5 times more likely to use marijuana.

If you suspect there is an issue, there are urine tests for nicotine you can use at home. They are inexpensive and can be found on Amazon.
 
To learn more about vaping and teens and the current crisis, attend our next Stand Strong Coalition meeting, on Thursday, October 10th, 11:00 AM at Lincolnshire Village Hall, One Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire.