I am a substitute teacher k-12, and I did security for our district for 3 years. The rise in use is astronomical. It does affect you medically whether you choose to admit it or not. Yes, you have free will and can decide for yourself. What I have seen first hand is massive addiction. And not just to the incredibly high levels of nicotine. You can refill the pods with pretty much anything. We have had kids leave campus in cuffs because it was liquid THC they are vaping (in class mind you). It is incredibly hard to spot the devices and those using are masters at disguise. The 'vape smoke' can be turned down, scent can be really strong or in some cases not noticeable. Liquid opiates can be used in ecigs. The FDA doesn't regulate the chemicals that go into the juice. We outlawed lead paint but currently allow ecig juice to contain nickel, chromium and lead. To think that this isn't affecting you medically is simply denial.
I have empathy for the addiction, not the denial. I speak to my students every chance I get about this dangerous habit. It has become such a problem at schools that this year our district did a whole seminar for all students on vaping, utilizing County Health Dept. and law enforcement. We are now reaching out to educate the public and parents in our community. We have kids who now steal to sell the stolen item to pay for their habits. Since school principals aren't CSI investigators, they don't typically have any way of knowing what the juice is; ie, nicotine free juice, nicotine juice, THC, opiates etc. There are some districts that have gone the route of changing policy. Any ecig possession will be considered possession of drug paraphernalia and involve law enforcement. Imagine the issues that will create in a young applicants criminal history. The missing days of school due to suspensions is ridiculous and in and of itself detrimental to student success. Coaches across the nation are struggling with this as well. Our Athletic Dept. is considering vaping offenses to be cause to be removed from the team for that calendar year. That won't help Candidate Activities records at all...... I could go on, but to each his own in the end.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/21/health/vaping-marijuana-e-cigarettes.html
https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/30/cdc...es-of-vaping-related-severe-lung-disease.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...-silent-vaping-thc-injuries-mount/2121523001/
https://www.sciencealert.com/toxic-levels-heavy-metals-heating-coil-ecigarette-vaping