Experts, Politicos, to Discuss Vaping in Wilton

WILTON, CT — Local experts and state representatives will present a discussion on youth vaping on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Trackside Teen Center. The public is invited.

State representatives Gail Lavielle and Tom O’Dea will be joined by panelists:

• Genevieve Eason — Wilton Youth Council
• Colleen Fawcett — Wilton Youth Services
• Elizabeth Jorgensen — Insight Counseling
• Bryan Luizzi — Superintendent, New Canaan Public Schools
• Chief John Lynch — Wilton Police Department
• Robert O'Donnell — Principal, Wilton High School
• Rishabh Raniwala — Student body president, Wilton High School
• Kevin Smith — Superintendent, Wilton Public Schools
• Liza Starnino — Wilton Youth Services.

When e-cigarettes first came to the U.S. in 2006, many smoking cessation experts were optimistic, viewing the delivery of nicotine through e-cigarettes to be a useful alternative to traditional cigarettes. As e-cigarettes did not have all of the other harmful combustion products inhaled through cigarette smoke, they were marketed as a clearly "safer" alternative.

That perspective has changed. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 18 vaping deaths in 15 states as of Oct. 1, and two days later vaping claimed its first Connecticut victim.

Massachusetts took the most aggressive step in the country by banning vaping sales for four months in response to the growing number of vaping illnesses. Connecticut State Sen. Saud Anwar, a Democrat who represents the 3rd District, said the state should follow Massachusetts' lead.

Trackside Teen Center is located at 15 Station Road in WIlton.