Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the “vapour” produced when a liquid solution (vape juice or e-juice) is heated to the point it becomes an aerosol. The aerosol is inhaled through the mouth and into the lungs.

A vape (sometimes called an e-cigarette) is the device that is used to heat up and inhale the aerosol. There are both disposable vaping devices and reusable vaping devices.

Reusable vapes can be recharged and the liquid can be refilled. A “starter kit” for a reusable vape includes the device, the charging cable and sometimes a “pod” of vaping liquid.

A disposable vaping device come prefilled with e-liquid and a fully charged battery. Once the battery or e-juice runs out, the entire unit is thrown away.

Parts of a vaping device

Both reusable or disposable vaping devices come in different forms and colours but are generally include the same components.

Cartridge or tank
Holds the vape juice, can be refillable on reusable vape devices

Coil or atomizer
A metal heating element that helps to turn vape juice into an aerosol

Indicator light
Lights up or flashes to indicate things like low power, an empty tank or overheating

Battery
A rechargeable lithium ion battery that can heat to over 400F in seconds

Charging port
Present on reusable and some disposable vaping devices

While smoking rates among Canadian youth are at an all-time low, youth vaping is on the rise.

Although most youth are aware of the harms and consequences of smoking cigarettes, they often underestimate the affect that vaping can have on their health and wellbeing.

Learning more about vaping and its consequences can help you have an honest and informed conversation with your child about vaping, and help your child make informed and healthy decisions.

Vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol

When heated, these substances turn into the gas that makes up the aerosol that’s inhaled. They are both common food additives and are described on vaping sites as “food safe”. “Food safe” only applies when they’re added to food and ingested, not heated to high temperatures and inhaled into the lungs.

Nicotine

Not all vape juice contains nicotine, but most does. Nicotine is highly addictive stimulant that causes temporary feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. Use of nicotine can harm the developing brain and makes it more likely that your teen will begin smoking cigarettes.

Flavour

There are thousands of different flavours of vaping liquid available, including many fruit and candy flavours that are a major draw for youth.

Other chemicals

In addition to what’s listed on the label, this aerosol contains other chemicals that are produced by heating the liquid in the vaping device — including some that are known to break down to form cancer-causing compounds, such as aldehydes and diacetyl, when heated.

While smoking rates among Canadian youth are at an all-time low, youth vaping is on the rise. Although most youth are aware of the harms and consequences of smoking cigarettes, they often underestimate the affect that vaping can have on their health and wellbeing.

Youth report that they vape to reduce stress and because of their desire to fit in. Youth say they enjoy vaping. Vapes come in thousands of different flavours, many of them candy and fruit flavours that are popular with young people. They also vape because they become addicted to nicotine.

Vaping is easy to hide, and the signs can be easy to miss. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes don’t leave the telltale scent of tobacco.

New asthma-like symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath), increased irritability and increased thirst are all signs your child could be vaping.

Other signs that your child could be vaping include:

• Presence of unfamiliar technology, online purchases or packaging
• Faint sweet or fruity scents
• Behavioral and mood changes
• Increased restlessness
• Cutting back on caffeine
• Desire for flavor due to tastebud degradation
• Pneumonia
• Nosebleeds

Youth vaping is a big problem in Canada. The number of youth smoking cigarettes has declined significantly but the number of youth who are vaping is on the rise.

Among students in grades 7 to 9:

• 18% have tried vaping
• 9% have tried smoking cigarettes

Among students in grades 10 to 12:

• 41% have tried vaping
• 22% have tried smoking cigarettes

8 out of 10 15-to-19-year-olds who vape have never smoked cigarettes

70.3% of 15-to-19-year-olds who vape choose candy or fruit flavours

FACT: There’s no actual “vapour” in vaping.

Just like with cigarettes, clever marketing and buzzwords can give the impression that vaping is not that big of a deal.

The words “vaping” and “vapor” suggest that what’s being inhaled when vaping is harmless water vapor. What vaping devices actually produce is an aerosol — a mixture of tiny liquid particles suspended in a gas.

When you vape, you’re heating known and unknown chemicals to high temperatures to create an aerosol and inhaling that aerosol directly into the lungs.

FACT: It’s possible to get hooked after vaping only a few times.

Teens may be curious to try vaping because they don’t understand how harmful and addictive it can be. But nicotine, a stimulant derived from tobacco, is one of the most addictive drugs available. It is possible to become addicted to vaping (nicotine) after just one or two uses.

FACT: Vaping is harmful — especially to children and teens.

Vaping has been marketed as smoking cessation tool that’s less harmful than cigarettes. The truth is, vaping is harmful, especially to children and teens whose brains and lungs are still developing.

Vaping has also been shown to be a “gateway” to smoking: 2 out of 3 12-to-17-year-olds in Canada who vape and smoke began with vaping.