Authorities are issuing a warning to parents and teachers to be vigilant for drugs that may not appear as drugs, particularly as a new school year begins. One example of this is vapes disguised to look like school supplies, specifically highlighters. Some highlighter vapes are even being sold in flavors that appeal to kids, such as mango, strawberry banana, and blueberry ice. Additionally, vapes can be designed to resemble USB drives, ballpoint pens, and even phones.
Stefan Bjes, a patrol sergeant with 19 years of experience in a police department in the Chicago suburbs, including serving as a school resource officer, explained that these vapes can be found in various stores and smoke shops across the country. He pointed out that while disposable vapes in kid-friendly flavors are illegal in the United States, they are still widely available and criminally trafficked. Specifically, certain types of highlighter vapes come in flavors that attract kids.
In addition to the well-known risks associated with vaping, such as nicotine addiction, lung damage, gum disease, and oral cancers, Bjes emphasized that illegal vapes may also pose other hidden dangers. He stated that illegal, flavored, disposable vapes are driving the youth vaping epidemic and that they are imported from China without regulation. Since they are unregulated, they could contain harmful substances that cause long-term damage. According to a June CDC study, the sales of e-cigarettes have increased by almost 50% between 2020 and 2022.
Bjes urged parents to have conversations with their children about the dangers of these disposable, flavored vapes and called for government regulation. He believes that the FDA should step up enforcement and coordinate with state and local authorities to ensure the removal of these dangerous illegal vapes from the market. The FDA spokesperson mentioned in a statement that the agency is fully committed to preventing e-cigarettes from reaching young people and holding companies accountable for illegally selling products that target youth.
As of July 28, 2023, the FDA has issued nearly 600 warning letters to companies for manufacturing, selling, and distributing unauthorized tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The agency has also taken action against firms marketing e-cigarette products designed to resemble toys, food, or cartoon characters that may appeal to youth. Compliance and enforcement actions are taken against companies that fail to correct violations.
A recent study published in BMJ Journals revealed that disposable e-cigarettes are larger, stronger, and cheaper, containing higher amounts of “e-liquid” and nicotine levels. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance linked to the initiation and continued use of combustible tobacco products. The study also highlighted the serious health risks associated with nicotine use, particularly among youth users, including brain development issues, damage to blood vessels, and increased feelings of depression and anxiety.
With the spike in e-cigarette sales, parents are advised to remain vigilant and ensure their children are not using these dangerous illegal vapes. They are also encouraged to collaborate with local authorities to remove these products from store shelves. By staying informed and actively addressing this issue, parents can protect their children from the potential harms of vaping.
Melissa Rudy, health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.
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