BHS Hosting Teen Vaping Meeting Dec. 5

Bourbon High School will be hosting a meeting with parents December 5 to discuss the dangers of “vaping” — the act of using an electronic cigarette.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the library. A discussion will be held earlier that day with students.

BHS Principal Scott Roberts said the meeting will be led by school nurse Grace Negretti and School Resource Officer Amanda Rauss. 

Staff from Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Agency also will speak.

“It should an informative and eye-opening event for some folks,” Roberts said.

Roberts told the school board November 21 there have been office referrals for vaping on campus. 

E-cigarettes heat liquid into a vapor that can be inhaled and contain nicotine, flavoring and other harmful chemicals.

Vaping among teenagers is on the rise, according to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health.

More than 44,000 students were surveyed in 2018 and about 37 percent of seniors reported vaping, up from 28 percent in 2017.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported earlier this month there have been more than 2,100 cases of respiratory illness caused by vaping this year. 

A double lung transplant was performed on a 17-year-old male in Detroit, believed to be the first of its type. The teen’s lungs were damaged after vaping.

There have been 47 deaths throughout the United States.

Deaths have been reported in 25 states and the District of Columbia, according to the CDC.

Illinois has reported five deaths and 187 illnesses.

Two deaths and 35 vaping-related illness has been reported in Missouri.

Gov. Mike Parson announced November 18 that Missouri is launching a youth vaping education campaign.