E-Cigarette/Vaping Toolkit

The Kern County Department of Public Health Services Department (KCPHSD) and Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) have partnered together to provide an update and resources on the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette), vaping/Juuling products and the emerging severe vaping pulmonary illnesses now medically termed EVALI.

Along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), KCPHSD is urging everyone to stop vaping altogether, no matter the substance or the source, as the potential danger to students is insurmountable.

There has been rising concerns regarding students using e-cigarettes on campus and often times it goes unnoticed. With over 15,000 flavors that attract our youth and discreet devices on the market, school staff and parents are at a disadvantage. Therefore, we must be educated in the emerging trends. What’s more, as of fall 2019, the CDC has reported over 1,888 cases of EVALI across the country. In Kern County, we have had 3 reported cases and likely many that have gone unreported.

We are still learning how dangerous these products are and the long-term health impacts of these products is unknown. Second hand vapor also carries health risks as the aerosol contains harmful chemicals like nicotine, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.

The health and safety of our students is our top priority. For this reason, we are pleased to provide a toolkit for educating teachers, parents, and students.