The Surge of Vaping

Over the years, the harmful effects of nicotine have been well documented, leading to a decline in tobacco use among Canadian teenagers. However, a concerning trend has emerged: an increase in youth vaping.

The act of vaping involves using devices known as e-cigarettes or “vapes.” These battery-powered gadgets heat nicotine combined with flavorings and various chemicals to generate an inhalable vapor, lacking smoke, combustion, or a strong scent.

Also referred to as vape pens, mods, e-hookahs, and tanks, these devices were initially created to assist individuals in quitting smoking. While not all vaping products contain nicotine, they often attract smokers more than traditional cessation aids like patches or gum due to their simulation of the smoking experience.

A concerning reality is that many adolescents view vaping as a safer alternative to smoking or, worse, believe it to be completely harmless. Some are unaware that they may be consuming nicotine at all.

The Rise of Vaping Among Young People

David Hammond, a professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health and Health Systems, observes that vaping rates among young individuals have been on the rise for several years. Although this trend is alarming, earlier increases among youth were often attributed to brief experimentation rather than habitual use. This perception has changed.

“Our findings indicate that in the preceding year—from 2017 to 2018—more adolescents are vaping, and they are doing so with greater frequency,” says Hammond. “We’ve also noted rises among non-smokers.”

His study found that in 2018, around 15 percent of youth indicated they had vaped in the past month, while roughly 10 percent reported using vaping products in the last week. “This nearly doubles the figures we reported in 2017,” Hammond adds.

Supporting Evidence from Other Studies

The use of e-cigarettes (including having tried one) surged to 23 percent among Canadian students in grades 7 to 12 during the 2016-17 academic year, up from 20 percent in the 2014-15 school year, according to the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey.

What’s Causing This Shift?

Although e-cigarettes have been available in Canada since 2007, certain factors have contributed to their growing popularity among youth.

Hammond cites advancements in vaping technology and appealing marketing strategies as primary drivers behind the trend.

Beginning in May 2018, Canada permitted the sale of nicotine-containing vaping products following the implementation of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, which replaced an earlier legislation from 1997.

A Flavor Explosion

The introduction of new products was accompanied by a marketing blitz that hadn’t been seen before. A significant attraction of vapes lies in their diverse flavor offerings: e-juices are available in appealing varieties such as mango, berry, chocolate, and even dessert flavors like sugar cookie and banana cream pie—options that particularly resonate with younger consumers.

Innovations in Technology

Breakthroughs in vaping technology have also influenced usage. Juul Labs, which entered the Canadian market in September 2018, introduced “nicotine salt,” a formulation that mitigates the harshness of traditional nicotine, making it easier and more pleasant to inhale.

Known as nic salt or salt nicotine, this chemical combination, often with benzoic acid, neutralizes nicotine to create a more manageable compound, allowing for higher concentrations to be delivered smoothly.

Juul has also revolutionized design, with its products resembling sleek USB drives, making them more discreet.

“These are a new generation of products,” Hammond remarks. “We’re now realizing that nicotine salts enable these items to deliver substantial nicotine levels in a user-friendly manner. This phenomenon does also apply to tobacco; however, excessive nicotine vapor can result in an unpleasant throat sensation. Nicotine salts seem to address this issue.”

Perceptions of Vaping

“Young people don’t associate vaping with smoking: smoking is viewed as an activity typically engaged in by older generations; many teens consider it unappealing,” he states. “Conversely, vaping is perceived as fun, modern, and odorless, enriched by appealing flavors.”

“Moreover, some parents might not even recognize vaping devices. One of the reasons teenagers favor them is due to how easily they can be concealed. It’s possible to vape at school without drawing attention by simply hiding the device in their sleeves.”

Health Risks Associated with Vaping for Youth

While Hammond emphasizes that e-cigarettes play a significant role in assisting individuals in quitting smoking, they were never intended to introduce young people to nicotine, which is known for its addictive properties, nor are they completely innocuous.

Impact on Brain Development

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of vaping. This practice can hinder brain development, affect memory and concentration, and potentially lead to addiction.

Potential for Higher Nicotine Levels

A study from Ontario assessing retail vaping products found that many items were inaccurately labeled. Approximately 27 percent of products indicated as “containing nicotine” had higher concentrations than advertised.

Exposure to Harmful Substances

Even in the absence of nicotine, vaping products can expose users to various harmful chemicals. Vaping liquids may contain not only nicotine and flavoring agents but also compounds like glycerol and propylene glycol. When heated, other substances, including formaldehyde, may form.

The long-term health impacts of these substances are unclear, as are the lasting effects of vaping on physical and mental health.

Is Vaping a Gateway Drug?

Vaping might serve as a gateway to other substances. Research indicates a correlation between youth e-cigarette use and future tobacco smoking. Moreover, some adolescents 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 U.S. in 2015 reported using e-cigarettes for non-nicotine substances.

In response to growing concerns regarding youth vaping, Health Canada initiated consultations in April 2019 to explore ways to limit youth access and interest. Proposed strategies included restricting online sales, banning certain flavors, and regulating the nicotine concentration and delivery in vaping products.

“I contend that nicotine salt products, like those from Juul, are the first to effectively embody the potential advantages and threats of vaping,” Hammond explains.

“Regarding what this means for governance and regulatory bodies, there’s a pressing need to realign these products to target adult smokers rather than minors. To date, that objective has not been successfully achieved.”