By Kamden Shaw
As vaping continues to be a problem among students, Assistant Principal Brain Brewer emphasizes the serious health risks involved, urging greater awareness within the community.
Vaping is a common problem among students, as it brings a serious health risk from cancerous chemicals to nicotine addiction.
“It’s a moisture that you’re pulling into your body,” Brewer said. “Your body absorbs it better than it would than other types of substances.”
In terms of discipline the handbook states that any student caught in the possession of vapes or e-cigarette devices will get three days of out of school suspension and a ticket. Second offense is five days OSS and a ticket and last offense is 10 days OSS/Expulsion.
“It’s an illegal substance here. … It shouldn’t be here at all,” Brewer said.
Some people think that vaping is healthier and safer than smoking a cigarette, but it has been shown that vaping has chemicals in it like formaldehyde, which is known to cause cancer, and acrolein, which is used as a weed killer.
“One major factor in comparing the two is that the regulation on vapes is not as controlled or monitored as more traditional tobacco products,” health teacher Mr. Dave Flowers said. “There are companies creating vapor liquids that could have any number of unknown chemicals in them. The only regulation is the age and that they must notify the user of the nicotine content and health hazard.”
Why shouldn’t students vape? Nicotine is highly addictive and exposure during adolescence can harm the developing brain.
“It’s been shown to be as bad for your health as cigarette smoke, maybe worse,” Brewer said.
Although teachers and principals continue to check bathrooms some students are able to get away with vaping.
“Health classes, guest speakers, ultimately it is the person’s decision to take care of themselves and make the right decision for their bodies” health teacher Mr. Jacob VanPelt said. “Most people know the consequences, so they need to take the information and use it to make good decisions.”
Nothing good ever comes from a student vaping,
And is that really worth it? Before you make the choice to hit a vape, think about where it will get you and the consequences of your actions.
