Schools nationwide are cracking down on student vaping by installing sensors and cameras to monitor the behavior. Harsh punishments are being handed out to students caught vaping, and schools have invested millions of dollars in surveillance technology, including federal COVID-19 emergency relief funds.
Meanwhile, the Hawaii State Department of Health has issued a warning about a new nicotine-free vaping device that has recently hit the market. These products, promoted for their fruity flavors and sleek design as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, still pose health risks due to the harmful chemicals they contain, including metals and volatile organic compounds.
The availability of such products perpetuates smoking behavior and attempts to avoid regulatory oversight. Under Hawaii’s current e-cigarette law, these non-nicotine vapes are classified as tobacco products and can legally be sold to individuals over the age of 18. However, health officials warn that consumers, especially young adults and parents, should be cautious and informed about the potential health impacts related to these new vaping products.