Children are replacing blowing bubbles with puffing out smoke. More than 2.5 million middle and high-school students are vape users and unfortunately, this smoke is unlike any other inhalants. It's light and doesn't linger, making it undetectable for parents. Despite various laws being passed, vaping and e-cigarette trends continue to rise, especially among children in younger grades, such as 5th and 6th graders, and even as low as 3rd graders who are falling into addiction. Schools and medical professionals are concerned about widespread vaping this upcoming school year. This dilemma has been labeled a public health crisis for years, challenging communities to find solutions to protect youth from the hazardous effects of nicotine. 

Even more alarming are the over 2,000 chemicals inhaled into healthy, still-developing lungs. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which have undergone decades of study, vaping is a relatively recent phenomenon. The FDA has yet to review all the ingredients used in the “e-juices” or vape cartridges. The industry lacks robust regulation and consistent product quality and safety control. There have been reports of harmful additives and contaminants in vaping liquids. So far it has been associated with various health issues, including lung injuries, heart problems, and respiratory illnesses. The potential consequences of nicotine addiction at a young age are particularly worrisome. 

Even though flavored vapes are banned in New York, they're still easily accessible and attractive to young people. Enforcement is a significant problem, and the vaping industry has cleverly adapted. Online and social media have made it even harder to control, while some convenience stores are secretly selling vapes transported from out of state. Manufacturers have resorted to producing disposable products with tobacco or menthol flavors, which, though legal, still carry the same risks.

Some of the toxic chemicals and metals found in vapes include: Benzene, the very substance found in gasoline and car exhausts, which can potentially trigger anemia and disrupt bone marrow function; Acrolein, an herbicide designed to remove weeds but capable of creating irreversible lung damage; Cadmium, a notorious chemical found in traditional cigarettes and commonly known to cause breathing complication and cancer; and nickel, tin, and lead, the heavy metal trio known to chronically affect different organs and disrupt the nervous system. This is just a teaspoon of toxins found in a whole gallon of unknown vape ingredients. The list of dangerous elements tied to vaping is far from short, serving as a thunderous call for us all to raise our awareness and proceed with the utmost caution.

The ongoing vaping epidemic has been closely observed by both schools and healthcare professionals. Shockingly, cases of nicotine toxicity have been documented in children as young as six years old. To combat this concerning trend, some schools have taken measures such as restricting bathroom time and installing vape smoke detectors. However, addressing youth vaping requires a collaborative effort from parents and the community. This involves hosting educational workshops, fostering open communication with teenagers, setting a tobacco and vaping-free example as adults, actively participating in youth-centric activities, monitoring online exposure, and seeking professional assistance when needed. By joining forces, parents and communities can effectively tackle the issue of youth vaping and its associated risks.

It is important to remember that nicotine is highly addictive and handling addiction requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach. It's essential to maintain open and non-judgmental communication with teenagers and encourage them to share their feelings and concerns about their addiction. Seek professional help from healthcare providers to help tailor a plan for quitting and allow teenagers to feel empowered throughout the process. It's vital to be patient and understanding throughout the recovery process. Teen addiction is a complex issue, and relapses may occur. We must as a community continue to offer support, reassurance, and professional guidance as needed. I, as your assemblyman, will continue to prioritize our children's health and push for better vaping regulations.