05/29/2026
Va**ng is the act of inhaling an aerosol (often mistakenly called "v***r") produced by a battery-operated device called an e-cigarette or v**e. These devices heat a liquid that usually contains ni****ne, flavorings, and various chemicals.
Key Facts About Va**ng
• It's Not Just Water V***r: The aerosol contains harmful substances, including ni****ne, ultrafine particles, cancer-causing chemicals (like formaldehyde), and heavy metals (such as lead, nickel, and tin).
• High Ni****ne Content: Many v**es deliver a high concentration of ni****ne; for example, one JUUL pod can contain as much ni****ne as an entire pack of 20 ci******es.
• Brain Development Risks: Ni****ne is highly addictive and can permanently harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control, especially in those under age 25.
• Lung and Heart Health: Va**ng is linked to serious lung conditions like EVALI (va**ng-associated lung injury) and "popcorn lung". It also increases heart rate and blood pressure.
• Smoking Transition: Research indicates that youth who v**e are significantly more likely to start smoking traditional ci******es later.
Common Va**ng Devices
Vapes come in many shapes and can be hard to recognize because they often resemble everyday objects:
• Disposable Vapes: Designed for one-time use; once the liquid or battery is gone, the device is thrown away (e.g., Puff Bar, Elf Bar).
• Pod Mods: Rechargeable devices that use pre-filled or refillable pods (e.g., JUUL, Vuse).
• Tank Systems/Mods: Larger, highly customizable devices with refillable tanks that produce larger aerosol clouds.
• Stealth Designs: Devices shaped like USB flash drives, pens, highlighters, or even smartwatches to avoid detection.
Quitting Resources
If you or someone you know wants to quit, these free and confidential resources are available:
• This Is Quitting: A texting program specifically for youth and young adults. Text DITCHVAPE to 88709.
• Smokefree.gov: Offers free apps and tools to help manage cravings.
• 1-800-QUIT-NOW: A national toll-free Quitline for support and counseling.
Va**ng on any school campus is illegal--Va**ng on school campuses in Limestone County, Texas, is illegal under state law, not just against school rules. As of September 1, 2023, Texas House Bill 114 mandates that students caught with a v**e on campus, within 300 feet of school property, or at school events must be removed from class and placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
Key Legal and Disciplinary Facts:
Mandatory DAEP: HB 114 removes the discretion of school administrators, making removal to alternative school mandatory for va**ng or possession.
Legality for Minors: It is illegal in Texas for anyone under 21 to purchase, possess, or consume e-ci******es/tobacco products.
THC Vapes: Possession of THC-based v**es (even if hemp-derived) is illegal and can lead to criminal charges, with even stricter laws scheduled for the future.
Limestone County Enforcement: Local schools in the area have implemented va**ng sensors in bathrooms to enforce these rules and have reported confiscating hundreds of devices, confirming it is treated as a serious offense.
Consequences: School Resource Officers (SROs) may issue tickets for first-time offenses, and subsequent offenses can lead to longer DAEP placements.
See someone va**ng? In many schools, because of the severity of the health risks and the ubiquity of the issue, reporting a peer for va**ng is generally considered a responsible act to ensure a safe, healthy, and focused environment for everyone.
Report on campus va**ng anonymously — scan the QR Code posted on your school wall, download the P3Tips mobile app, call 254-729-8477 or go to the Limestone County Crime Stoppers website to report campus va**ng. See Something-Say Something and get PAID.
