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Poison Center experts provide update on Central New York e-cigarette and related drug abuse trends

Michele Caliva and Lee Livermore (photo by Jim Howe)

Michele Caliva and Lee Livermore
(photo by Jim Howe)

A variety of harmful chemicals -- often including nicotine -- exist in the liquids used in electronic cigarettes. Some people use the devices to ingest synthetic marijuana and other illegal drugs. Officials from the Upstate New York Poison Center say e-cigarettes appeal to a younger generation, citing a 160 percent increase from the year 2014 to 2018 in the number of high school students who vape, or inhale the vapor of e-cigarettes. Administrative Director Michele Caliva and Public Education Coordinator Lee Livermore speak about the widespread incidence of teen vaping and drug abuse trends in Central New York.

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