The Surge of Vaping

As the harmful effects of nicotine have become well-documented, the rate of tobacco use among Canadian teenagers has decreased. However, a concerning trend has emerged: an increase in youth vaping.

Vaping involves using e-cigarettes, commonly known as “vapes.” These battery-operated devices heat nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to produce an inhalable water vapor, free from smoke, burning, and odor.

Initially created as a smoking cessation tool, these devices—often referred to as vape pens, mods, tanks, and e-hookahs—are particularly appealing to smokers compared to traditional cessation methods like patches or gum due to their resemblance to smoking.

Many teenagers mistakenly view vaping as less harmful than cigarettes, or even completely harmless. Some are unaware that they might be consuming nicotine at all.

Rising Vaping Rates Among Youth

According to David Hammond, a professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health, vaping rates have increased significantly in recent years. While earlier data indicated that many youths were merely experimenting with vaping, this trend is shifting towards more regular use.

“Our data indicates that between 2017 and 2018, more young people are vaping, and they are doing so more frequently,” Hammond notes. “We’ve also observed an uptick among nonsmokers.”

His research revealed that in 2018, approximately 15% of youth reported vaping in the past month, while around 10% did so within the past week—nearly double the rates from the previous year.

Supporting Evidence

Additional research corroborates these findings, indicating that e-cigarette use rose to 23% among Canadian students in grades 7 to 12 during the 2016-2017 school year, up from 20% in 2014-2015, as per the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey.

Factors Influencing the Trend

E-cigarettes, first introduced in Canada in 2007, have become increasingly popular. Hammond identifies several driving forces behind this trend, including advancements in vaping technology and strategic marketing approaches.

In May 2018, Canada permitted the sale of nicotine-containing vaping products when the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act came into effect, replacing the prior Tobacco Act from 1997.

The Attraction of Flavors

The introduction of new vaping products was accompanied by a surge of advertising that had previously been lacking. One of the key attractions of vapes is their diverse range of flavors; e-liquids come in appealing varieties like mango, berry, chocolate, and more—choices that particularly entice young people.

Innovative Chemistry

Scientific advancements have also played a role. Juul Labs, based in San Francisco, introduced “nicotine salt” to the Canadian market in September 2018. This formulation makes nicotine less harsh and easier to consume.

Also known as nic salt, this compound, often combined with benzoic acid, creates a more stable and smoother product. Juul devices, which have a design similar to a USB flash drive, have become popular among youth.

“These represent a new class of products,” Hammond points out. “Nicotine salts enable these devices to deliver higher nicotine levels in a more palatable manner. While traditional tobacco can often be harsh, nicotine salts mitigate that unpleasant throat hit.”

The Modern Appeal of Vaping

“Many young people don’t associate vaping with smoking: smoking is often regarded as something older generations do, while vaping appears fun, modern, and odorless, offering enticing flavor experiences,” Hammond states.

“Parents may not even recognize vaping devices. Furthermore, their compact size allows kids to use them discreetly, making it easy to vape in schools without detection.”

The Detrimental Effects of Vaping on Youth

Hammond stresses that while e-cigarettes can aid in smoking cessation for adults, they were never designed to introduce young people to nicotine—a potent and addictive substance, making them far from harmless.

Impact on Brain Development

Young individuals are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of vaping, which can impair brain development, affect memory, and hamper concentration. Additionally, it may lead to addiction and dependency.

Misleading Nicotine Levels

A study conducted in Ontario found that 27% of vaping products labeled as containing nicotine had higher concentrations than advertised.

Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Even non-nicotine vaping products can expose users to potentially harmful substances. In addition to nicotine and flavoring agents, vaping liquids may contain glycerol and propylene glycol, which can release other harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, when heated.

The long-term health effects of these substances remain uncertain, as do the overall impacts of vaping on both physical and mental health.

Potential as a Gateway Drug

Vaping may serve as a gateway to other substances. Studies indicate a correlation between e-cigarette use during adolescence and subsequent tobacco use. Additionally, many young people utilize e-cigarettes for cannabis consumption. A 2015 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that nearly one-third of middle and high school students in the U.S. reported using e-cigarettes with non-nicotine substances.

Due to widespread concerns regarding youth vaping, Health Canada initiated consultations in April 2019 aimed at reducing youth access and appeal. Suggested measures included restricting online sales, banning certain flavors, and limiting nicotine concentration or delivery in vaping products.

“Products like Juul’s nicotine salt version fulfill both the promise and threat of vaping,” Hammond argues.

“Governments and regulators need to ensure these products are targeted towards adult smokers rather than adolescents, which has not happened up to this point.”