Missoula public health officials have released a letter to parents and caregivers of teens addressing the risks and signs of vaping.
The letter stated that between 2017 and 2019 Montana high schools students that were using e-cigarettes daily increased by 263%.
This letter was released following a death in Montana due to a lung illness. There are now 33 reported deaths nationwide.
MPH wants parents to be aware of the risks associated with e-cigarette use such as:
- E-cigarette aerosol can contain ultrafine particles and cancer-causing chemicals.
- Youth who use e-cigarettes are 4 times more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
- The long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are unknown.
MPH also offered these websites for parents to become knowledgeable about specific e-cigarette devices like:
- E-cigarettes, Vapes & JUUL: The New Nicotine Addiction in Montana
- Montana Office of Public Instruction Resources on E-Cigarettes
MPH also said for parents to be on the look out for these signs:
- Fruity aroma - most e-liquids have flavors like mint, vanilla, and fruit punch.
- Unfamiliar hand-held gadgets - like pens, Juuls (specific brand popular with students that can resemble a computer memory stick).
- Increased thirst - some of the chemicals in e-cigarettes cause dry mouth.
- Different batteries and chargers - vaporizers need to be charged, most use a USB cable or plug directly into a USB port.
- Discarded atomizers, cartridges, and pods - the atomizers turn the e-juice into vapor and are rechargeable and eventually disposable.
- Unaccounted expenditures of money, as vaping products are
- For more information and resources you can visit Missoula.co/vaping
