From the Principal

Vaping and e-cigarettes

In a recent conversation with a parent, she mentioned that there are a number of unscrupulous vendors in Burwood who are selling e-cigarettes or ‘vapes’ to underage children. While it is illegal to sell these products to anyone under 18, as those who were able to attend Paul Dillon’s presentation will recall, vaping is growing in popularity.

According to the background information provided on Paul’s DARTA website.

“Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs), or as they are better known, electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that deliver an aerosol (‘vapour’) that may or may not contain nicotine, thus removing the risk of users coming into contact with tobacco smoke, i.e., instead of smoking, they are ‘vaping’. ….. The vapour comes from an ‘e-liquid’ cartridge. E-liquids are often flavoured, with over 7,000 flavours available ranging from fruit through to chocolate. Some contain nicotine, thus providing the user with a nicotine ‘hit’, while others contain only a flavouring.” 

Safety concerns include:

• Nicotine is addictive and toxic in all forms
• Products contained in e-cigarettes are not regulated
• e-cigarette use is likely to lead to eventual smoking of traditional cigarettes
• e-cigarettes do not simply produce ‘harmless water vapour’ and may expose users to chemicals and toxins such as formaldehyde and heavy metals
• The potential for poisoning and subsequent lung damage associated with vaping

The topic of vaping is covered in our Secondary pastoral and PDHPE programs, and I strongly encourage you to discuss this topic with your daughter. Our Counsellors, Heads of Year and pastoral leaders are available for support should you need. I also strongly recommend the DARTA website referenced above.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal