UC High’s administration is concerned about the rise in “vaping” among students at school this year, and is currently searching for more methods to prevent this nationwide epidemic from spreading on UC High’s campus.

   According to a website about vaping, the terms vape, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), and e-pipes are some of the many references used to describe electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). ENDS are non-combustible tobacco products (fda.gov).

   Since it has become such a large issue, UC High administration has developed ways to try to prevent vaping at school. “Admin visits the restrooms frequently to watch for kids in clusters participating in vaping or any other drug use. But, we can’t be at all places at all times,” said Principal Jeff Olivero.    

   “If caught, we will most likely confiscate the substance, involve your parents or guardians, and enroll you in our drug and alcohol program here at school, McAllister. It just depends on the situation,” added Olivero.

    The FDA has also taken steps to prevent the spread of vaping and other drug use among teenagers. According to the FDA’s website, they created a campaign called “The Real Cost”, which prevented an estimated 350,000 teens ages 11 to 18 from initiating smoking between 2014 and 2016 (fda.gov).

   The official FDA website states, “To address this cost-free mentality, [the] FDA expanded its award-winning ‘The Real Cost’ campaign to educate the nearly 10.7 million youth aged 12-17 kids who have ever used e-cigarettes, or are open to trying them, about the potential risks of e-cigarette use. Campaign messages focus on educating youth that using e-cigarettes, just like cigarettes, puts them at risk for addiction and other health consequences” (fda.gov).

    A UC High Student who wishes to remain anonymous stated, “I have been vaping every day for over a year now. I even own my own vaporizer. They have really nice flavors and different style vapes that appeal to me.”

   According to a 2013-2014 survey conducted by the FDA, 81 percent of current youth e-cigarette users cited the availability of appealing flavors as the main reason for their nicotine use (fda.gov). “The reason I vape is for the various flavors, they all taste so good and I am always looking forward to trying the new different flavors that come out,” added  another UC High student who also wished to remain anonymous.   

  According to the FDA, “These products use an e-liquid that may contain nicotine, as well as a composition of different flavorings, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and other ingredients. The liquid is heated to create an aerosol that the user inhales” (fda.gov).

  According to the FDA’s website, “If you have experienced an unexpected health or safety issue with a specific tobacco product, you can report a problem with any tobacco product, including vapes, to the FDA. Knowledge about adverse experiences can help the FDA identify health or safety issues beyond those normally associated with product use. If you believe these products are being sold to minors, or you see another potential violation of the FDC Act or FDA’s tobacco regulations, report the potential violation” (fda.gov).