The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS 

Tribune Staff Reporter 

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

JARED Saunders, once healthy and active, suffered severe health complications after vaping for two years—an experience he now describes as devastating.

While working at a hotel in 2023, he fell gravely ill, losing 80 pounds in two months. Speaking on ZNS’ The Sabrina Brown Show yesterday, he recalled his ordeal, saying he initially thought vaping was harmless but later realised its dangers.

Mr Saunders developed excessive sweating, heart palpitations, and extreme weakness, eventually becoming unable to eat or drink water. His condition forced him to leave his job and return home to Freeport, Grand Bahama, seeking answers.

Doctors later diagnosed him with hyperthyroidism, determining that his thyroid levels were dangerously high. He believes his illness was linked to vaping, recalling an incident where vape liquid leaked into his mouth, prompting him to research its effects.

“It acted as if I was poison,” he said, adding that he suffered darkened skin and long-term health issues. His weight plummeted from 255 pounds to 175, and he still experiences heart palpitations and acid reflux, requiring ongoing medication and regular blood tests.

He now warns others against vaping, describing it as a serious health risk that is not worth the potential consequences.

Officials say vaping is a growing concern in The Bahamas, particularly among young people.

Detective Superintendent Remy Minnis, head of the Drug Enforcement Unit in Grand Bahama and the Northern Bahamas, said law enforcement is increasing education and outreach efforts in schools and community groups.

“We have developed an agenda to visit as many schools as possible,” he said, stressing the need for prevention efforts targeting both children and adults.

Detective Inspector Latoya Mitchell, who leads demand reduction initiatives, said schools are increasingly requesting presentations on vaping, reflecting the growing urgency of the issue.

“Last year alone, we were invited by four primary schools to speak to students about vaping. Since the beginning of this year, I have already visited more than four schools,” she said, adding that even young students in grades four to six are using vapes.

Insp Mitchell identified peer influence, appealing scents, and easy access at home as the main reasons children start vaping. She noted that many students obtain vapes from family members rather than stores, creating a situation where adults’ behaviour normalises the habit.

“We have to be the example,” she said, warning that vaping can act as a gateway to drug use and other risky behaviours.

Health experts warn that vaping can lead to lung disease, cardiovascular issues, nicotine addiction, and brain development damage in young users. Many vaping products contain harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals, which can have long-term consequences.

Authorities urge parents to remain vigilant, set clear examples, and educate their children on vaping’s dangers before the habit leads to irreversible health damage.