Oak Park public health officials are joining experts across the country in warning consumers to avoid e-cigarettes until the cause of a dangerous and sometimes fatal lung disease tied to vaping is determined.
Evidence suggests vaping is especially dangerous when THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is involved. Affected individuals have reported symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever and weight loss. Symptoms can develop within a few days or over several weeks after vaping.
Health officials stress that young people and pregnant women should never vape. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the many dangers associated with vaping.
The sale of all tobacco-related products to individuals under 21 years old is prohibited in Oak Park.
Visit www.oak-park.us/vapingrisks for more information, including a rebuttal to common myths about vaping and tips for parents about how to talk to kids about vaping.