Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Browse this FAQ page to find answers to frequently asked questions that have not been covered elsewhere in the documentation.

  1. What is nicotine vaping? Nicotine vaping involves the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes that contain nicotine. These devices heat a liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to create an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

  2. What are the health risks associated with nicotine vaping? While vapes were initially marketed as a potential solution to tobacco smoking with claims that they could be a less harmful alternative, research shows that they are exposing youth to nicotine and putting them at risk of nicotine addiction. Nicotine is highly addictive and can have negative effects on the developing brain, which is still developing until the mid-20s. In addition, vaping can also cause lung damage, and the long-term effects of vaping on physical and mental health are still being studied.

  3. How many Canadian high school students reported using nicotine vaping products in the previous month? According to the study conducted by Seabrook and Wiley, 26% of high school students in Canada reported having vaped in the previous month. Of these, 12% reported having exclusively smoked vapes containing nicotine, 11.3% reported using both nicotine and nicotine-free vapes, and a small 2.5% reported using exclusively nicotine-free vapes.

  4. What were the main findings of the study conducted by Seabrook and Wiley? The study found that male high school students had higher odds of being in each category of past-month vape users than females. Substance use was also linked to higher odds of students vaping with and without nicotine. The study also found that grade 10 and 11 students were more likely than grade 9 students to vape exclusively with nicotine, while grade 9 students were more likely than grade 11 and 12 students to vape with both nicotine and nicotine-free vapes.

  5. What can be done to address the growing problem of nicotine vaping among high school students in Canada? The study found that exploring potential differences between individuals who vape with nicotine and those who use nicotine-free products can give policy-makers a better chance at implementing more targeted interventions. It is important to educate youth on the risks associated with nicotine vaping and implement measures to prevent youth from using these products. Some strategies that may be effective include increasing the price of nicotine vaping products, implementing age restrictions on their sale, and developing targeted educational campaigns aimed at youth.