The health effects of vaping was a hot topic in Dublin last week as the children of Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe, exhibited at a prestigious science fair held at the RDS.
‘Science Blast’ is a huge science exhibition run by the RDS and sponsored by the ESB.
Scoil Mhuire Fatima in Timahoe has a rich tradition in the exhibition and this year’s sixth-class upheld the tradition with a fantastic project called “Sweet Clouds and Bitter Truths – The rise of vaping among teenagers and the associated health effects.”
The project was a study on the significant increase in vaping among teenagers and the effects of this.
The children surveyed teenagers and discovered that over half teens vape due to peer pressure and 40% admitted the sweet flavours lured them in.
They were also shocked to learn that one in five teenagers now use e cigarettes regularly.
The students spoke to experts and learned that vaping is more dangerous for our health than people realise and especially bad if you have a pre-existing condition like asthma.
Bronchiotitis Obliterans or pop corn lungs is caused by a chemical found in e-cigarettes and it is the irreversible damage to the lungs.
The students were complimented their biology and human science investigation, with the adjudicator agreeing that the surge in teenage vaping was worrying.
The students were also commended for the scientific methods they used, such as surveys, diagrams and conducting interviews to support the secondary sources found through internet research.
The Scoil Mhuire Fatima exhibition received rave reviews for its colour coordination and the popcorn lung as part of the display, with the students complimented for their communication skills.
Principal Michael Mc Evoy and sixth-class teacher Anna Moore were very proud of the students’ efforts.
Ms Moore stated that the children “had worked extremely hard on the project and shown great interest in the topic.”
Mr McEvoy said it was “an enjoyable experience for all of us,” adding: “it is hugely important for the children to be aware of the consequences of vaping, particularly as they enter their teenage years.
“We are delighted with the children’s efforts. It has been a great day and a very worthwhile learning experience for them.”
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