Vaping in School
WCRIS has covered vaping in schools over the last few weeks. Those stories covered the harmful effects of nicotine filled e-cigs. However, recently companies have been advertising the same technology as the vape pen, but instead of nicotine, they contain vitamins or other health products.
These new products work the same as any other vaping device. They vaporize a liquid when the user draws from it. Only this time, the vapor contains vitamins or essential oils.
The new vaping products claim to have the same health benefits as their pill counterparts. However, the Centers for Disease Control is recommending that consumers refrain from any vaporizing products regardless of what it contains especially during the ongoing investigations into the recent string of vaping-related lung illnesses.
As lawmakers work to create laws to regulate vaping devices, the new health vaping products fall in a grey zone. Because they do not contain nicotine, there is no oversight by the US Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco. This means that these products are hitting the market without any oversight on the health and safety of the products.
Schools need to be aware of these new products, as they may not be covered by your school’s policies against tobacco use. You should keep this in mind as you update your handbook on vaping. Schools should also be prepared to handle parents who “prescribe” these vitamins or essential oils for their children.
Schools should review pages 44-49 of the WCRIS 2018-19 Legal Handbook on administering medications at school for additional guidance on handling these cases.
