Why K9 Vape Detection Is An Essential Tool In School Environments To Eliminate The Risk Of Health Emergencies Among Middle and High School Aged Students.

by Victor A. Borras RN, TNCC, ENPC, BABA, K9 Handler/Trainer.

A school bathroom filled with vapor defies the clear "No Vaping" sign, highlighting the often-overlooked dangers of vaping.

At a recent school safety summit, I attended a breakout session focused on drug trends in schools. During this session, a presenter remarked that, given the significant dangers posed by fentanyl and firearms, it was not a priority for their K9 detection dogs to locate nicotine vape products. The presenter's message implied that searching for nicotine vape devices was neither important nor necessary in school environments. It was evident that the presenter lacked a medical background or had not researched the harmful effects of nicotine vapes on the health and well-being of middle and high school students. I understand that EVALI (E-cigarettes or Vape Products Associated Lung Injury) from vaping seldom makes headlines or appears on social media. However, I am confident that if the speaker had experienced the need to intubate and place a 16-year-old student on a ventilator due to acute pulmonary lung injury from vaping, his perspective might not have been so dismissive and trivial.

The impact of fentanyl and other narcotics in educational settings is undeniable, as is the concern regarding the accessibility of firearms to students in distress. The fentanyl crisis is a pressing issue, and the frequency of school shootings is alarmingly high. Additionally, the vaping epidemic within schools is a significant concern. Schools invest substantial resources to prevent vape devices from entering their premises, utilizing advanced sensors to detect vaping activities in restrooms or locker rooms. This allows them to address these activities and identify policy violators. School principals and School Resource Officers (SROs) dedicate considerable time to responding to areas where vape sensors have been triggered. Recognizing the seriousness of vaping, the Texas State Legislature has enacted the following laws:

Texas Education Code Section 38.006:

• Prohibits smoking or the use of e-cigarettes or tobacco products at any school-related or sanctioned activity, whether on or off school property.

• Forbids students from possessing e-cigarettes or tobacco products at school-sanctioned activities, regardless of location.

• Mandates that school personnel enforce these policies on school premises.

House Bill 114 (Effective September 1, 2023): This bill introduces stricter disciplinary measures for students found with vaping products on school grounds or at school-sponsored events. Key provisions include:

• Mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placement: Students found in possession of or using e-cigarettes (containing nicotine or THC) on school property, within 300 feet of it, or at school-related events, must be placed in DAEP.

• One Strike Policy: This placement in DAEP is mandatory even for first-time offenses.

• Minimum DAEP terms: While the Texas Education Agency (TEA) allows districts to determine the length of placement, there are often minimum terms, such as 10-25 days for non-THC devices and longer for THC devices.

• No appeal process: The legislation generally does not permit appeals of this mandatory placement.

Senate Bill 97: This bill amends several sections of the Texas code to address e-cigarettes more comprehensively, including:

• Equating e-cigarettes with traditional cigarettes concerning distribution, use by minors, and prevention of use by minors under the Health and Safety Code.

• Establishing requirements for the packaging of e-cigarette nicotine containers and the delivery and sale of e-cigarettes under the Health and Safety Code.

• Mandating that school districts publish information about their e-cigarette policies under the Education Code.

Texas Penal Code Section 48.01: This law prohibits the operation of e-cigarettes in public primary or secondary school facilities, among other locations, with violations punishable as a Class C Misdemeanor.

In summary, while no single law bears a specific title, the Texas Education Code Section 38.006 and House Bill 114 are central to the current restrictions on vape products in Texas schools, with HB 114 implementing stricter disciplinary consequences for students. Senate Bill 97 also significantly contributes to aligning the treatment of e-cigarettes with traditional tobacco products within various aspects of Texas law.

Recognizing the seriousness with which Texas lawmakers have addressed the vaping crisis in schools, it is crucial to understand the dangers posed by vape devices. Vape juice, or e-liquids, contains various substances, many of which are toxic and include heavy metals. The specific composition of these liquids can vary significantly based on the brand, flavor, and type of device used. Notably, vape devices manufactured overseas, particularly in China, often do not fully disclose the chemicals used in their production. Below is an analysis of the toxins and heavy metals found in vape juice and the aerosol it produces:

Common Toxins Found in Vape Juice and Aerosol:

• Nicotine: A highly addictive substance that adversely affects adolescent brain development and has numerous negative health effects. Even vapes labeled "nicotine-free" may contain nicotine.

• Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG): These are the primary carrier liquids. When heated, they degrade and produce harmful carbonyl compounds such as formaldehyde and acetaldehydes. PG may also potentially trigger asthma when inhaled.

• Flavorings: Although many flavorings are considered safe for ingestion, they can be harmful when heated and inhaled. Certain flavorings, such as diacetyl, acetoin, and 2,3-pentanedione, have been linked to severe lung diseases like bronchiolitis obliterans ("popcorn lung"). Additionally, some flavorings can react with other e-liquid components to form new toxic compounds, such as formaldehyde acetals.

• Aldehydes (Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, Acroleins): These are formed during the heating process and are known carcinogens and respiratory irritants. Acrolein, also found in herbicides, can cause irreversible lung damage.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These include benzene (found in car exhaust) and other compounds that can have harmful health effects.

• Diethylene Glycol: A toxic chemical used in antifreeze that has been linked to lung disease.

• Ultrafine Particles: These tiny particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause respiratory distress.

Heavy Metals Found in Vape Aerosol:

Heavy metals can leach into the e-liquid from the metallic components of the vaping device, particularly the heating coil and soldered joints. Some of the heavy metals found in vape aerosol include:

• Nickel: A known carcinogen and respiratory irritant.

• Lead: A neurotoxin that causes developmental problems. Higher levels have been found in users with greater vaping frequency.

• Chromium: Linked to respiratory disease and lung cancer.

• Manganese: Linked to respiratory disease and lung cancer.

• Cadmium: A toxic metal found in traditional cigarettes that can cause breathing problems and increase cancer risk.

• Tin: Can leach from soldered parts.

• Copper: Can be present in the device components.

• Arsenic: A toxic metal and known carcinogen.

• Aluminum

• Antimony

• Zinc

• Mercury: Although less commonly reported, it can be present.

• Uranium: A recent study found a link between vaping and increased levels of uranium in urine, with sweet flavors showing higher levels.

Important Considerations

• The levels of these toxins and heavy metals can vary significantly depending on the device, e-liquid, and usage patterns (e.g., temperature, puff duration).

• Even short-term vaping may lead to exposure to harmful levels of some heavy metals.

• Unregulated or black market vape products may have higher levels of contaminants.

• Flavorings can interact with other components and potentially increase the toxicity of the vapor.

• Manufacturing standards for vaping devices and e-liquids are still evolving, leading to inconsistencies in product safety.

Given the presence of these toxins and heavy metals, it is evident that vaping poses a significant health risk, especially for young people. If this information alone does not justify the use of School K9 Detection Dogs to identify these harmful products in our schools, consider the impact vaping has had on the deaths and hospitalizations of young individuals.

Hospitalizations and Deaths Associated with EVALI Among Young Individuals

Although the CDC concluded national data collection for EVALI cases in February 2020, the initial outbreak that began in 2019 did provide insights into its impact on school-aged children.

During the primary EVALI outbreak leading up to February 2020:

• Hospitalizations: Of the 2,807 hospitalized EVALI cases reported to the CDC, 15% of patients were under 18 years of age.

• Deaths: Among the 68 deaths attributed to EVALI during this period, the median age of deceased patients ranged from 15 to 75 years old. Notably, a report highlighted the death of a 15-year-old in Texas due to EVALI.

Since the cessation of national reporting by the CDC in February 2020, comprehensive data on hospitalizations, deaths, and lung injuries from vaping products among school-aged children is limited.

However, the following points are noteworthy:

• Continued Cases: EVALI cases have continued to be reported at the state level post-February 2020, despite the absence of a unified national tracking system. An American Thoracic Society workshop in 2021 documented at least 92 additional cases since February 2020, although the number of pediatric cases remains unspecified.

• Younger Demographics: Research presented in October 2023 indicated that more recent EVALI patients (diagnosed between March 2020 and April 2022 in Utah) were younger, with an average age decrease compared to the initial outbreak. This suggests that school-aged children may still be affected.

• Focus on Prevention: Health authorities continue to stress the dangers of vaping for young individuals, emphasizing the risks of nicotine addiction, potential harm to brain development, and the possibility of lung injury.

In summary, while precise data since 2020 is unavailable due to the cessation of national EVALI surveillance, it is known that a significant percentage of the initial EVALI cases were among school-aged children, and cases have persisted. Vaping remains a substantial health concern for this age group.

It is documented that vaping among high school students has declined; however, vaping trends have increased among middle school-aged students, with a rise in first-time vaping within this demographic. Given this evidence, there is no justification for deprioritizing vaping among K9 Detection Companies that primarily focus on fentanyl and firearms as threats to students. As a healthcare professional and a K9 Detection Handler and trainer, I assert that vaping risks to our students are as critical as detecting fentanyl, narcotics, and firearms in our schools. If your K9 Detection services provider is not prioritizing this in your schools, it may be necessary to educate them on the importance of including vape products in their odor library. Students, parents, administrators, and legislators rely on them to contribute to the health and well-being of students in your schools.