Public Health Nurse Talks About Dangers Of Vaping

Northwest Iowa — The epidemic of vaping, or the use of what are known as e-cigarettes, is being blamed for a surge in lung-related illnesses around the country. At last report 450 possible cases of vaping-related lung illnesses have been reported in 33 states, and as many as five people have died as a result of the lung-related issues.

KIWA talked to O’Brien County Public Health Nurse Judy Nieuwenhuis, and she tells us that the lung-related problems are due to some of the metals and chemicals, and even the flavors inhaled when vaping.

Nieuwenhuis says the vaping pods also contain very high levels of nicotine.

She says the nicotine content is particularly dangerous for teens because nicotine interferes with the way the teenage brain functions.

Nieuwenhuis says the vapor not only affects the person vaping, but also the people around them while they’re doing it.

She says vaping is becoming an epidemic, and that parents should inform themselves about the issue, then sit down with their teens and have a serious talk about the potentially catastrophic consequences of vaping.

For more information about vaping and the dangers it presents, contact your county’s Public Health Nurse.

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