The Surge of Vaping

Over the years, the known risks associated with nicotine have led to a decline in tobacco use among Canadian teenagers. However, a concerning trend has emerged: an increase in youth vaping.

This phenomenon involves the use of e-cigarettes, commonly referred to as “vapes.” These battery-powered devices vaporize nicotine combined with flavorings and other substances, creating an inhalable mist. Unlike traditional smoking, vaping does not produce smoke or noticeable odors.

These devices—sometimes called vape pens, mods, tanks, and e-hookahs—were initially intended to assist individuals in quitting smoking. Although not every vaping product contains nicotine, they tend to be more appealing to current smokers than nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gum due to their resemblance to the act of smoking.

Many teenagers mistakenly believe that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking cigarettes or, even more worryingly, that it is completely safe. Some youth are even unaware that they may be consuming nicotine.

Rise in Vaping Among Young People

According to David Hammond, a professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health and Health Systems, vaping among youth has been on the rise in recent years. While this trend previously seemed linked to curious experimentation, it has evolved into regular use.

“Our research indicates that between 2017 and 2018, an increasing number of adolescents are not only trying vaping but also using it more frequently,” Hammond notes. “We have observed rises in the number of nonsmokers as well.”

His studies reveal that in 2018, nearly 15% of youth reported having vaped within the last month, and about 10% within the last week—almost a twofold increase from 2017.

Supporting Data

The upward trend in e-cigarette usage, including initial experimentation, was also confirmed by the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey, which recorded a rise to 23% among students in grades 7 to 12 during the 2016-17 academic year, up from 20% in 2014-15.

Factors Contributing to the Trend

E-cigarettes are not a recent invention; they made their Canadian debut in 2007. So what has led to this rising trend?

Hammond attributes this uptick to several factors, including advancements in vaping technology and design as well as assertive marketing campaigns.

In May 2018, Canada began permitting the sale of nicotine-infused vaping products, coinciding with the implementation of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which replaced the outdated 1997 Tobacco Act.

Enticing Flavors

Along with the introduction of new devices came a wave of advertisements previously unseen. A significant marketing angle for vapes has been the wide array of flavors available: vape juices can include enticing options like mango, melon, berry, chocolate, peach, sugar cookie, and banana cream pie—flavors that particularly attract a younger audience.

Innovative Developments

Moreover, advancements in science have played a role. The company Juul Labs, which made its foray into the Canadian market in September 2018, was the first to introduce “nicotine salt.” This formulation reduces the harshness of nicotine, providing a milder inhalation experience compared to traditional smoking.

Also known as nic salt or salt nicotine, this formulation, often using benzoic acid, stabilizes nicotine to form a smoother compound that is easier to inhale.

The Juul device, notable for its compact design resembling a USB flash drive, has even led to the term “juuling” becoming a common verb.

“This signifies a new category of products,” Hammond explains. “Current findings suggest that nicotine salts enable these devices to deliver substantial nicotine levels in a more user-friendly manner. While the same is achievable with tobacco, higher concentrations of nicotine in vapor can result in an unpleasant throat sensation. Nicotine salts help mitigate this issue.

Perceptions of Vaping

“Young people do not view vaping the same way they perceive smoking: smoking is often associated with older generations and is generally seen as unclean,” he notes. “Why would they choose that over vaping, which is perceived as enjoyable, contemporary, odor-free, and features appealing flavors?”

“Many parents might not even recognize vaping devices. Their discreet nature contributes to their popularity among youth, as they can easily be concealed. Teens often vape in schools, hiding devices in their sleeves without drawing attention.”

Health Risks Associated with Vaping in Youth

Hammond emphasizes that, while e-cigarettes have proven effective in assisting people in kicking the smoking habit, they were never intended to expose children to nicotine, which is highly addictive, nor are they without risk.

Impact on Brain Development

Young individuals are particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of vaping. It can hinder brain development, impair memory and focus, and potentially lead to addiction and physical dependency.

Mislabeling Issues

A study conducted in Ontario found that many vaping products sold at retail outlets were misrepresented. Approximately 27% of items that claimed to contain nicotine actually had concentrations exceeding the advertised levels.

Exposure to Harmful Substances

Even vaping products that do not contain nicotine carry the risk of exposure to other dangerous chemicals. Aside from nicotine and flavoring, vaping liquids can include glycerol and propylene glycol, with the potential formation of other harmful substances such as formaldehyde upon heating.

The long-term health implications of consuming these chemicals remain unknown, as do the overall effects of vaping on both physical and psychological health.

Is Vaping a Gateway to Other Substances?

Vaping has the potential to serve as a gateway to substance use. Research indicates that youth who vape are more likely to transition to tobacco smoking in later years. Additionally, many young people are using e-cigarettes to consume cannabis. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics found that approximately one-third of middle and high school students in the United States reported using e-cigarettes for non-nicotine substances in 2015.

In response to growing concerns regarding the effects of vaping on the youth population, Health Canada launched consultations in April 2019 aimed at reducing youth access and appeal. Proposed strategies included online sales restrictions, flavor limitations, and regulations on the concentration and delivery of nicotine in vaping products.

“In my view, nicotine salt products like Juul’s are the first to genuinely fulfill both the positive potential and associated threats of vaping,” Hammond concludes.

“When asked about the implications for policymakers and regulators, I suggest they must find a way to ensure that these products are targeted toward adult smokers rather than young people—a goal that has yet to be achieved.”