The growing number of youth vapers is alarming the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), since they are developing nicotine addictions at startling rates that could jeopardise the advancement of tobacco control.
Health experts claim that although traditional smoking among youth is down, Canada is experiencing some of the highest rates of teen vaping globally.
The percentage of students in Grades 7 through 12 who reported using vaping devices in the previous year increased from 11% in 2017 to 23% in 2019, according to the Ontario Student Drug and Health Survey. This indicates that about 105,600 students, or 13% of the student body, are now vaping weekly or even daily.
Almost one-third of Simcoe Muskoka’s pupils in this age bracket reported vaping in the previous year, which is a considerable increase over the province average, according to the health unit. In addition, vaping rates tend to rise after teenagers graduate from high school.
DANGEROUS SUCCESS
The liquid known as e-liquid—which, according to SMDHU, is not harmless water vapour despite common belief—is heated by e-cigarettes, which are frequently shaped like USB sticks, pens, or highlighters. One of the major constituents of e-liquid is nicotine, and some formulations even contain cannabis.
“Tobacco cigarettes contain the same addictive substance, nicotine. But because an e-cigarette can have up to twice the amount of nicotine in a pack of cigarettes, they are extremely addictive. Another worry is that some of the additional compounds in e-liquids produce the same carcinogenic byproduct that comes from smoking cigarettes when heated, according to a release from SMDHU.
Because teenagers’ developing brains develop addictions to nicotine more quickly and with less exposure than adult brains do, health professionals claim that the repercussions of nicotine addiction are more severe for teenagers.
“Nicotine changes brain development and negatively affects memory, concentration and behaviour, and contrary to misconception, vaping does not relieve stress among youth, and can actually increase anxiety and depression,” stated the press release.
The health unit suggests that parents have a conversation with their children about making educated decisions regarding their health.
“Talking early and often is one of the best ways to support young people in making informed decisions, and ideally prevent them from becoming addicted to nicotine through vaping,” the press statement said.