Youth and vaping

Vaping products are known by many different names such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), vapes, vape pens, dab pens, pod-mods and others, and come in many shapes, sizes and device types, many of which appeal to youth. They can look like everyday items such as USB sticks or pens.

They are battery-powered devices that heat an e-substance, liquid, or e-juice to create a vapour (aerosol). Inhaling the vapour which typically contains nicotine is called “vaping”. E-substances can also contain cannabis and other substances.

• In 2022, 30 per cent of youth aged 15-19 in Canada reported having vaped. Many have never smoked a cigarette and are being introduced to nicotine, and potential nicotine addiction, through vaping.
• In 2023, 26 per cent of youth in grades seven-12 in British Columbia reported having vaped. The most commonly reported age B.C. youth tried their first vape was 13.
• Of B.C. youth who have tried vaping, 57 per cent reported having vaped in the last month, and 15 per cent reported vaping daily. Daily or near-daily use increases the risk of mental and physical health harms.

Vaping is not harmless. What are the health and safety risks?

• Nicotine is highly addictive and has effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Children and youth become dependent more easily than adults.
• Inhaling aerosols from vaping products can cause coughing, wheezing, respiratory diseases, lung injury and worsen existing lung conditions such as asthma. The long-term effects are not fully known. Heavy metals and a number of chemicals present in vaping products are harmful and some are known to cause cancer.
• Many youth who vape start at a young age, which can impact brain development, memory, mood, concentration and impulse control.
• Vaping has been associated with depression, suicidality, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and behavioural problems.
• Vaping may lead to an increase in youth using other substances.
• Contact with nicotine-containing e-liquids can irritate the eyes, nose or skin and can be poisonous if swallowed, which is especially concerning for children and youth. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting and dizziness and in extreme cases can be fatal.
  • If you are concerned of possible exposure to vapour products, nicotine or other toxic substances call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-567-8911 or in Greater Vancouver at 604-682-5050.
• Some youth vape cannabis. Cannabis vapes can have very high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main ingredient in cannabis that causes impairment (feeling “high”). High amounts of THC increase the risk of developing problems such as paranoia, psychosis and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (severe nausea and vomiting), sometimes called “greening out.”

• All legal vapes in B.C must contain nicotine or cannabis (e.g., cannot contain only flavoured chemicals).
• Nicotine vapes are available at both age-restricted stores and all-age stores such as convenience stores. You must be 19 years of age or older to buy them. Cannabis vapes are only sold in age-restricted stores.
• Flavours are banned at all-age stores, with the exception of tobacco flavour. Many flavours, including those attractive to youth such as fruit flavours, continue to be allowed in age-restricted stores.
• Nicotine concentration in legal e-substances is limited to 20mg/ml.

Unregulated vapour products

Although vapour products are regulated by the federal and provincial governments, unregulated vapour products are available online and from non-compliant retailers. Some youth are able to access these unregulated products.

Unregulated products have no safety checks. They can contain unknown toxic ingredients and nicotine levels well above the legal amount. These products can be more easily tampered with, and modification of the battery or heating device can increase risk of explosion resulting in injuries and fires.

Vaping products are often promoted as a way to help a person quit smoking regular cigarettes. Although the vapour from regulated vape products contains fewer toxins than regular cigarette smoke, the inhaled vapour is not harmless, and vaping is not a regulated or medically approved quitting aid.

Vaping adds additional risk for those who do not already smoke. Vaping products model smoking behaviour to non-smoking youth and have the potential to create nicotine dependency in people who have never smoked.

Be supportive and expect setbacks. Here are some ways you can be a role model and offer support:

• Have open conversations about vaping. Try to understand their beliefs and see where you can offer facts that may help them better understand the risks.
• If you use tobacco, cannabis or vaping products yourself, be honest with your child about the risks and any regrets, difficulties and health effects resulting from your experience.
• Talk with your child about ways they might be able to refuse vaping in a way that makes them comfortable.
• If you vape, try quitting or reducing vaping for your own health and the health of your children. If you want to quit smoking or vaping, contact Quit Now for supports.
• If you vape, do not vape around your children to avoid exposing them to second-hand vapour.
• Keep vapour products out of reach of children and youth.
• Talk to your family doctor or visit an Urgent and Primary Care Centre for advice and resources.

• Health Canada: Talking with your teen about vaping: A tip sheet for parents.
• BC Lung Association – Downloadable resources about vaping for youth, teachers, parents and health professionals.
• Health Canada: About Vaping.
• Fraser Health: Substance use in children and youth.
• Foundry: Vaping and Tobacco.
• Fraser Health: Child and youth mental health and substance use services and family support services.