Third Student Hospitalized After Vaping At School: MCPS

POTOMAC, MD — A third student at Potomac's Winston Churchill High School was hospitalized after using a vaping device Tuesday, according to Montgomery County school officials.

Vaping refers to electronic devices, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, and Juul (a popular e-cigarette brand). It works when the device heats a liquid, such as nicotine, and subsequently turns into vapor that is inhaled.

In a letter to parents and guardians, Principal Brandice Heckert said a student reported "ingesting THC through a vaping device." The individual was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

THC — or tetrahydrocannabinol — is a major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that gets users high.

"Vaping devices are prohibited in Montgomery County Public Schools," Heckert wrote. "Last week, I hosted a community meeting to talk to students and parents about the truths and dangers of vaping. The recorded panel presentation and Q&A session will be shared with the community as soon as possible."

Tuesday's medical emergency comes several weeks after three Winston Churchill high schoolers were caught under the influence of THC after using vaping devices, according to Bethesda Beat. Two of the three students were taken to a hospital for treatment.

It also comes at a time when county health officials are searching for new ways to keep vaping devices away from children.

"Vaping can be extremely dangerous for adolescents and young adults due to ongoing brain development," said Dr. Travis Gayles, a county health officer. "Vaping devices can contain high levels of nicotine which can impair the development of critical areas of the brain needed for high cognitive and emotional functioning."

"We are concerned that other substances such as marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids and other liquids laced with more potent substances are being used," Gayles added. "These can cause more acute symptoms such as loss of consciousness and respiratory depression."

To address an alarming rise in the number of U.S. teenagers using vaping devices, county health officials are recommending increased education and awareness. They've also began working with stakeholders — such as the Office of the County Executive, the County Council, Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County Police, and the Department of Liquor Control — to develop a plan to stem the increase.

According to health officials, the workgroup has discussed incorporating enhanced surveillance, enforcing penalties for underage distribution, and raising the age for someone to legally purchase vaping and other electronic smoking devices.