Vaping, often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, has become a concerning trend among Canadian youth, particularly high school students. A recent study conducted by Jamie Seabrook and Evan R. Wiley reveals that over 25% of high school students in Canada reported using e-cigarettes, with 12% exclusively vaping nicotine products. The study, based on data from 38,299 students, shows that 26% of students admitted to vaping in the past month, and notable percentages engaged in different vaping habits, including dual-use of both nicotine and nicotine-free options.
The researchers highlight that vaping exposes youth to nicotine, increasing the risk of addiction. Many youth are unaware of the health risks associated with e-cigarette chemicals, leading to uninformed usage. The study also found that male students were more likely to vape than females, and that students in grades 10 and 11 were more likely to use nicotine exclusively compared to grade 9 students, who exhibited higher rates of dual-use vaping.
The findings suggest a need for further investigation into the long-term effects of vaping and targeted interventions to address the rising trend among youth.
