Environmental Contamination from E-cigarette, Cigarette, Cigar, and Cannabis Products at 12 High Schools - San Francisco Bay Area, 2018–2019

The United States is experiencing an epidemic of lung injury associated with youth electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, or vaping; in 2018, 20.8% of U.S. high school students reported currently using e-cigarettes. E-cigarette products such as Juul, a popular device that delivers nicotine and flavors, are used by students at schools, including in classrooms and bathrooms. Use of flavored e-cigarettes by youths has become an increasing concern. A recent analysis of the National Youth Tobacco Survey showed that among high school students who currently used e-cigarettes, the percentage who used flavored e-cigarettes increased from 65.1% in 2014 to 67.8% in 2018. E-cigarette waste and combustible tobacco product waste contaminate the Bay Area high schools studied and confirm use of these products by high school students. Cannabis product waste represents an emerging issue. Schools can engage students in garbology projects to identify existing and new use of these products and to raise awareness about their hazardous health and environmental impacts.