Dear MS Parents,
It has come to our attention that some of our students may be experimenting off-campus with electronic cigarettes. The following is some information provided by our ISB Health Center:
– E-cigarettes were developed to produce a smoke-free source of nicotine. The devices heat up a liquid that is inhaled or “vaped” by the user. Because nothing is burned, there is no “smoke.”
– E-cigarettes put nicotine, a highly addictive drug, into the body. Nicotine use impacts the heart, brain and nervous system, can raise blood pressure and speed up the heart. With repeated use, the body can become addicted to nicotine.
– Electronic cigarette contain carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol, an ingredient used in antifreeze.
– Electronic cigarettes are sold without the health warnings and labels mandated in traditional cigarettes or other nicotine replacement products.
– These types of products are specifically marketed and sold to young people, in flavors like mint and chocolate that appeal to younger tastes. Also, they are most often sold at malls where teens spend time.
– These products are not subject to FDA or other regulation as to the amount of nicotine or other chemicals included in the e-cigarette cartridges.
– The vapors from e-cigarettes may contain trace levels of solvents in which nicotine and flavorings have been dissolved. These solvents are known as lung irritants and current studies are looking at the transformation of these solvents into suspected carcinogens.
Links to articles with additional information are located below. In addition, please feel free to contact our Health Center nurses for resources on e-cigarettes or nicotine use.
FDA and Public Health Experts Warn About Electronic Cigarettes
E-Cigarette Use Triples Among MS and HS Students in One Year