SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — New York State is seeing more and more children and teens try vaping. According to the Upstate New York Poison Center, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes have increased since last year.
In all of 2018, the center (which covers 54 counties in New York State) received 52 calls in regards to people using e-cigarettes (either with nicotine or THC). So far in 2019, it has received 111 calls.
According to Upstate Poison, one in five high school students say they vape and one in 20 middle school students admit to trying vaping. The long-term health impact of vaping is unknown.
To help combat this growing problem, the Upstate New York Poison Center has locally produced two educational videos to remind students and parents of the dangers of vaping.
Monday, New York State announced several actions to address vaping illnesses.
The state says it will direct the Department of Health (DOH) to subpoena manufacturers of thickening agents used in vaping products, direct the DOH to issue emergency regulations requiring vape shops to post a warning sign about the products, and propose legislation banning flavored e-cigarettes.
The New York State Vapor Association is cautioning regulators and lawmakers about making laws regarding e-cigarettes.
Last week, JUUL Labs started implementing a series of new measures in the United States that build upon our existing efforts to combat the issue of youth access, appeal, and use of vapor products.
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