Mary Alice Reporting –
A local campaign has launched to make youth aware of the dangers vaping can create in a young person’s life related to health but also its financial toll.
The Tuscarawas County Health Department’s “Keep playing. Don’t Vape.” aims to show kids that if they vape, they may struggle to remain in activities, like sports and band.
Community Health Educator Abbie Shankland says that data backs up the need to raise awareness.
“In the fall of 2023, Tuscarawas County did a community survey, which revealed that in the US, one in four youth reported using an electronic device daily, and 88% of these survey participants agreed our community should take steps to limit tobacco advertising.”
Vaping health risks include lung issues like popcorn lung, vaping-related pneumonia, and a collapsed lung. Associated symptoms are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
TCHD Community Relations and Health Promotions Coordinator Jennifer Demuth adds that there are also dangerous chemicals found in electronic vaping devices.
“Including benzene which is a type of ingredient you’d find in gasoline and pesticides, formaldehyde which can be used to preserve dead bodies, lead, ammonia, acetone which is found in nail polish remover, arsenic, and benzopyrene which can be found in tar, cigarette smoke, and is one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals.”
Vaping can also be costly at $1,500 or more per year.
Check out the Tuscarawas Health Department Facebook page as they promote the youth geared campaign or go to www.tchdnow.org to learn more about local prevention and cessation programs.
Free quit help, for those 18 and younger, can also be found at www.mylifemyquit.org or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).
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