Upstate New York Poison Center responds to vaping crisis with educational videos
FOR RELEASE: Sept. 9, 2019
Increase in calls for vaping-related poisonings in New York
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Calls to the Upstate New York Poison Centerin regards to vaping and the use of e-cigarettes have increased since last year.
In all of 2018, our center (which covers 54 counties in NYS) received 52 calls in regards to people using e-cigarettes (either with nicotine or THC). So far in 2019, we have received 111 calls.
On top of that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since September 6th, there have been 450 cases of vaping-associated pulmonary illness in 33 states and one U.S. territory. Five deaths have also been reported. As of September 9th, our poison center has received 13 calls locally that are currently being investigated by the New York State Department of Health.
Currently, 1 in 5 high school students say they vape and 1 in 20 middle school students admit to trying vaping. The long-term health impact of vaping is unknown.
To help combat this growing problem, the Upstate New York Poison Center has locally produced two educational videos to remind students and parents of the dangers of vaping.
Students can view the video here and parents can view the video here.
In the case of a poisoning or for information purposes, call the Upstate New York Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. We are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Each year our center manages more than 80,000 calls from healthcare providers, 911 operators, hospitals, industry, schools, and the general public in our 54-county service area.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest information.
For more information, contact Allison Mirabito at 315-464-7090 or [email protected].
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About Upstate New York Poison Center
Housed inside Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., the Upstate New York Poison Center is dedicated to reducing the number, cost and severity of poisonings within its designated 54-county service area as mandated by New York State Law. The center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to both health professionals and the general public at 1-800-222-1222.
About Upstate Medical University
SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, is the only academic medical center in Central New York. It is also the region's largest employer with 9,460 employees. Affiliated with the State University of New York, Upstate's mission is to improve the health of the community through education, biomedical research and health care.
