Severe Lung Disease / Dangers of Vaping
As we prepare ourselves for students to come back into our school buildings next week, there is a new concern on the rise that we need to be aware of and educate ourselves on.
Vaping has become more popular than smoking conventional cigarettes among Wisconsin teens.
Multiple cases of sudden onset severe lung disease associated with vaping have been identified in Wisconsin teens, which means Wisconsin schools must prepare themselves to address this issue with our students.
The advisement I received from Louise Wilson, Wisconsin DPI School Nursing and Health Services Consultant is as follows:
"The bottom line as students return to school, if a student has unexplained breathing issues, talk to their parents about possible vaping and respiratory problems, and encourage them to see a medical professional."
Good Morning America recently covered a story about vaping featuring a teenager who suffered severe lung damage caused by vaping. The video clip can be watched by following the link below. Please be aware, the clip shows some graphic / dramatic footage which may be difficult for some to watch. I do feel, however, that it really captures the audience's attention, and demonstrates the devastating side effects that can be caused by vaping. I would encourage you to consider watching the clip to gain a better understanding of this issue.
GMA Clip:
According to a recent article I read (also attached for your reference), a recent study shows that the chemicals found, even nicotine-free and THC-free vaping cartridges, "has a sudden, immediate effect on the body's vascular function".
Three items are attached for your reference. Feel free to review to educate yourselves, and/or your students (if appropriate):
Educational poster recently created by the Environmental Public Health Tracking Program/WI Dept of Health Services, outlining "What School Nurses Need to Know" about severe lung disease / vaping
Handout from the Brown County Sherriff's Department providing some specific information and visual images on identifying different vaping 'tools' or 'cartridges'
EcoWatch article dated 8/21/19 discussing new research highlighting the immediate physical damage that even nicotine-free vaping causes to the body. ( https://www.ecowatch.com/vaping-health-blood-vessels-2639938271.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1)
I hope you find this information to be a good resource in the event you identify such concerns with one of your children.
Lung Disease & Vaping
Vaping Handout Brown County Sheriffs Office
|