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A board shall prohibit students from smoking, using, or possessing e-cigarettes or tobacco products at a school-related or school-sanctioned activity on or off school property.
"E-cigarette" means an electronic cigarette or any other device that simulates smoking by using a mechanical heating element, battery, or electronic circuit to deliver nicotine or other substances to the individual inhaling from the device or a consumable liquid solution or other material aerosolized or vaporized during the use of an electronic cigarette or other device. The term does not include a prescription medical device unrelated to the cessation of smoking. The term "e-cigarette" includes:
A device regardless of whether it is manufactured, distributed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, or e-pipe or under another product name or description; and
A component, part, or accessory for the device, regardless of whether the component, part, or accessory is sold separately from the device.
Health and Safety Code 161.081(1-a)
[For information regarding the disciplinary consequences of student e-cigarette use, see FOC.]
What are e-cigarettes?
E-cigarettes are tobacco products. Some resemble regular cigarettes, cigars, pipes and some have a modern, sleek design and look like writing pens or USB sticks. The products are commonly known as ENDS – electronic nicotine delivery system(s).
Other common names:
• Mods
• Hookah pens
• Vape sticks
• Personal vaporizers (PV)
• Tank systems
• Smoke Juice
Whether it’s an e-cigarette, vape pen, e-hookah, using an electronic cigarette is called “vaping”. Stores who sell mostly e-cigarettes and e-juice are called “vape shops.”
How do e-cigarettes work?
Most e-cigarettes have a battery, a heating element, and place to hold a liquid (such as a cartridge or pod). As the user draws on the device, the battery heats the e-liquid to produce aerosol not a water vapor. The aerosol is then inhaled into the lungs.
Associated Dangers
• Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which can harm adolescent brain development. Using nicotine in adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
• Some e-cigarette flavorings may be safe to eat, but not to breathe. This is because the gut can process more substances than the lungs.
• A common ingredient in e-cigarette flavoring, diacetyl, causes bronchiolitis obliterans, known as "popcorn lung”.
• Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions. Some explosions have resulted in serious injuries and death.
• Children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin or eyes.
• There have been reports of youth and young adults experiencing seizures after vaping. Seizures or convulsions are potential side effects of nicotine poisoning.
Contact Information
Tobacco Prevention and
Control Dept. of State Health Services
PO Box 149347
Mail Code 1965
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Tobacco.free@dshs.texas.gov
For more information, visit: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vaping
In Texas, an individual must be 21 years old to buy or own an e-cigarette.
Ready to Quit? Call the Texas Quitline at 1-877-YES-QUIT
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