At least six people have died from illnesses due to vaping. But one local school is educating students about the dangers of vaping and using E-cigarettes.
Enrique Vela, the principal at Moody High School, says "It's just about bringing awareness and teaching them (students) in vaping that it can be very dangerous if you don't know what you're doing with that."
Concern is also growing as the Centers For Disease Control continues to monitor the number of people who are falling ill as a result of vaping. Latest numbers show at least 480 people have reported suffering from severe lung illnesses.
However, at the start of the school year, Moody High School held an assembly for the entire student body, and one of the topics discussed was the dangers of using these products.
"My principal always says, 'If you don't know what it is, don't put it in your body,'" said Hannah Ritchie, a senior at Moody High School.
During that discussion, Principal Vela also spoke to students about the change in law, effective September 1, that does not allow anyone under 21 years of age to purchase tobacco products.
But despite that change, Moody High School students like Matthew Cantu know classmates who use both vapes and e-cigarettes.
"I've seen them in the lunchroom taking a small hit and blowing out the smoke," said Cantu.
That's exactly why Principal Vela wants to warn students about the risks of vaping, and making better decisions when it comes to their health. The students are listening and sharing his advice with others.
"I know really good friends who have been vaping for years and I try to tell them, 'hey, like it's not good for you,'" said Cantu.
Tobacco and E-cigarette products are not allowed on any CCISD campus. If a student is found to have any of these products, it will be confiscated immediately, and could lead to punishment or law enforcement getting involved.
