- Vaping is not harmless, and the long-term consequences are largely unknown.
- Youth and non-smokers shouldn’t vape.
- Vaping can increase exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and can alter teen brain development.
Why is vaping so risky for young people?
Vaping is a delivery method for substances including nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical. Youth are especially susceptible to its negative effects, as it can alter their brain development and affect memory and concentration. It can also lead to addiction and physical dependence. Children and youth may become dependent on nicotine more rapidly than adults.
How much nicotine is in vapes?
Although not all vaping products contain nicotine, the majority of them do, and the level of nicotine can vary widely. Many vapes have levels of nicotine similar or higher than in a typical cigarette and quitting vaping can be challenging once a teen has developed an addiction to nicotine.
Did you know…
- every traditional cigarette has approximately 1mg of nicotine?
- most nicotine vape pods contain 2ml of e-liquids?
- a 50mg/ml nicotine vape pod can contain the same amount of nicotine as 100 cigarettes (that is the same amount of nicotine as 4 packs of cigarettes)
Is it safe to vape liquids?
The ingredients typically found in vaping liquids include glycerol, flavours, propylene glycol and varying levels of nicotine. The long-term safety of inhaling these substances in vaping products is unknown and continues to be assessed. There is no burning during vaping, instead, the liquid is heated. This process can cause reactions and create new chemicals, such as formaldehyde. Some contaminants, such as metals, might also get into the vaping products and then into the aerosol.
How do I start a conversation with my child about vaping?
If you know or suspect a young person is vaping, approach the topic gently with open-ended questions so that you can learn more about their thoughts on vaping and whether they are interested in quitting or making a change. For example: “I noticed you were vaping with some friends between classes. I’d like to know a bit more about that. Can you tell me how it started?” “How is vaping helping or harming you?” “What do you think about stopping or changing?” For more tips on how to talk to you child about vaping visit the Quash Brief Conversations Toolkit.
Websites
Resources
- Vaping Resource for Students – School Mental Health Ontario
- Not An Experiment Parent and Caregiver Resource – Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
- Substance at a Glace: Vaping – Drug Free Kids Canada
- Vaping Information – Drug Free Kids Canada
- 10 Protective Parent Strategies – Drug Free Kids Canada
- Vaping: What Secondary School Educators Need to Know – School Mental Health Ontario
- Vaping: What Elementary School Educators Need to Know – School Mental Health Ontario
- How Does Vaping Affect Me? – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Vaping Harm Reduction Tips – Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- E-cigarette, or Vaping Products Visual Dictionary – Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Apps
Quash is a judgement-free app for teens to help them quit smoking or vaping —the way they want! Set goals, track cravings, earn badges and access tools and tips. Available on the App Store or Google Play.
Crush the Crave provides supportive messages, virtual awards and help for dealing with cravings. Track the number of days vape-free, amount of money saved, and triggers. Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Looking for more help quitting vaping and/or smoking?
HPEPH offers trained quit specialists and low-cost nicotine patches and gum through our Quit Smoking Program. These are available to the public by calling HPEPH’s Tobacco Talk Line at 613-966-5500 ext. 600.
We also offer School Health Clinics for local high school students. Contact your guidance office or school Public Health Nurse to learn more.
