*name has been changed to protect source

High school bathrooms are notorious as a meeting place for teenage girls. But the bathroom is not just a meeting place for girls anymore. Teenage boys and girls of all grades are sneaking to the bathroom during the day to smoke electronic cigarettes (eCigs).

An eCig is a device containing a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and inhaled. The intended use of eCigs is to substitute smoking tobacco products.

A recent survey of 305 LZHS students showed 30 percent have smoked an eCig, and 15 percent owns one, according to an October Bear Facts survey. Out of the students who own an eCig, 58 percent smoke theirs during school. Many teenagers, however, are beginning to smoke eCigs for other reasons than to ‘kick the habit’ of cigarette smoking.

“I think most people smoke [or buy] eCigs because they think it’s the cool thing to do, to fit in with friends, or socially, which is the wrong reason,” Bill Smith*,junior, said. “If you smoke cigarettes, have smoked [cigarettes], or [are] looking for ways to quit, [eCigs] are a more healthy [option].”

Smith used to smoke around four to five cigarettes a day for nine months. At the beginning of the summer of 2013, Smith purchased an eCig and has not bought a pack of cigarettes since. Only 23 percent of teenagers smoke eCigs as a way stop smoking cigarettes.

John Adams*, junior, is one of multiple students who did not smoke cigarettes, but owns and smokes an eCig.

“I think [eCigs] are fun and cool. It’s nice to smoke something sometimes,” Adams said. “I like smoking. If I can smoke something anywhere I want, I will.”

And smoking “anywhere” is possible with eCigs; the vapor produced is odorless. According to eCig manufactures, eCigs are a healthy alternative to smoking cigarettes because the user does not inhale the tobacco smoke which contain over 4,000 chemicals. There are still heath issues associated with using them, however, 51 percent of LZHS students are not aware of the health issues.

eCigs contain nicotine and may also contain ingredients that are toxic to humans. The consistent usage of an eCig can increase nicotine addiction in teenagers and lead to usage of other tobacco products, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The amount of nicotine on the label may not match the amount of nicotine in the liquid, which is a concern of the FDA. Also, the FDA is concerned about manufacturers not including all the chemicals ingredients on the label, according to Discovery Fit and Health online. The FDA tested a sample and found multiple chemicals, including diethylene glycol, which is found in antifreeze. However, the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association claim eCigs only contain five ingredients that are all approved by the FDA.

A benefit of e-cigarettes is they do not produce any second-hand smoke, but do produce second-hand vapor. Individuals have reported the vapor irritates their eyes, nose, and throat, impairs their breathing and causes nausea, according to Discovery Fit and Health online. Manufacturers, however, have not conducted any research that proves the effects of second-hand vapor.

Despite the potential health risks, there have been more cases of students having eCigs on school grounds, according to Chad Beaver, dean, said. There were no issues with eCigs last year, he said.

“eCigs were put in the handbook about three to four years ago because it is considered a drug and is treated like a tobacco offense,” Beaver said.

The student handbook states that student possession of tobacco products on school ground is prohibited. If a student is caught with a tobacco product, the student will receive a two day In-School Suspension. If the student chooses to participate in the Pathways program offered at the school, the student will receive only a one day In-School Suspension.

Pathways is a program for students who have shown signs of academic and problem behaviors. The goal of the program is to support and improve student learning and well-being through prevention, intervention, and support.

As a result of the usage on campus, backpack searches have been conducted of students who are suspected or caught with the possession and/or the usage on school grounds.

“If we [are] given information about a student who has something they shouldn’t [on school ground], it is our obligation to check,” Beaver said.

Students are asked permission to check the backpack, according to Beaver. If denied, parents are called in to check the backpack themselves.

While backpack searches and consequences are being enforced, student’s continue to smoke their e-cigarettes in school.

Both Smith and Adams are among the eCigs owners who smoke inside the school. Smith says he takes a smoking break about six times a day. According to the Bear Facts survey, 67 percents of students admit to smoking five or more times during the school day.

In fact, during certain periods of the day, Smith and Adams meet up with friends in the bathroom and all share and smoke their eCigs together, just like they do outside of school.

“So many people have gotten [eCigs], so it is a much bigger deal than before because [teenagers] found out how easy it is [to purchase an eCig]. They cost a lot, but you can use it for a long time,” Adams said. “If [teenagers] had to go through a lot of trouble to get [one], then it might not be worth it to them.”

Out of the students who own an eCig, about 50 percent purchased theirs by themselves. About two thirds of the students surveyed think it is too easy for teenagers to purchase an eCig. While there are currently no laws regarding the age limit for purchasing e-cigarettes, the FDA is trying to rule them as a tobacco products.

E-cigarette advertisement is not directed towards teenagers, but has many aspects that appeal towards them. The nicotine-based liquid comes in a variety of flavors that kids know and love—like cherry, chocolate, cookies and cream, and piña colada. The liquids can also be mixed to create a combination of flavors—like mango-strawberry and cherry-limeade.

Due to how appealing eCigs are to teenagers, teenagers are continuing to purchase them and bring eCigs onto school campus.

“Our goal is to keep the school environment safe, and the school drug free,” Beaver said. “We want to educate students about what they are putting in their bodies, and what the effects could be long term.”