Chatham Schools Tackle The Dangers Of Teen Vaping

CHATHAM, NJ - A panel of experts, including a pediatric pulmonologist, will be speaking about the dangers of vaping and the serious health consequences of continued at Chatham High School at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The program is free and open to all parents and guardians.. The panelists will share how vaping is being controlled in the state of NJ as well as offering parents advice on how to address vaping with their own teenagers.

Chatham High School faculty will also receive a presentation on vaping during a faculty meeting the day prior to the evening event.

"The purpose of having these programs is to raise awareness about teen vaping," CHS Student Assistant Counselor Lisa Lattarulo said. "There are many misconceptions about vaping; therefore, it is vital that students, staff and parents all receive the same information."

Recent news reports stated over a thousand cases of serious lung infections and some deaths, organizers said. Experts link these cases to the use of vapes.

Vaping continues to have an impact on Chatham students, officials said. The recently administered Chatham student health survey results indicated roughly 10 percent of middle and high school students have vaped. However, New Jersey statewide statistics through Tobacco Free NJ indicate that the percentage of teens who either currently or have vaped in the past is about 50 percent.

Recently the district updated its policy to address vaping. Any student caught vaping or in possession of vaping device or paraphernalia will receive a one day suspension from school.

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