Vaping puts youth health at risk

The number of youth trying and regularly using vapes (also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes) has been on the rise in York Region, especially among those in senior high school grades. In fact, the amount of York Region high school students who reported using vapes in the previous 12 months more than doubled from 11% in 2017 to 24% in 2019.

The amount of York Region high school students who reported using e-cigarettes in the previous 12 months increased by grade: in 2019, 18% of Grade 9 students used e-cigarettes in the past year compared to 30% of Grade 12 students.

In some cases, youth are vaping without their parents even knowing. This is a growing public health concern as vaping is not harmless and can put youth health at risk.

York Region Public Health launched a media campaign across multiple channels in order to raise awareness about the health risks associated with youth vaping and the laws that exist to prohibit the sale and supply of vape products to anyone under 19 years of age.  

Concerns about youth vaping include:

• Most e-liquids used in vaping contain high levels of addictive nicotine with some containing as much as one pack of cigarettes.
• In 2021, over 80% of Ontario students in Grades 7 to 12 who vaped in the previous 12 months, reported vaping nicotine (Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey 2021).
• Studies have shown that nicotine addiction is stronger when you start vaping or smoking at a young age.
• Vaping nicotine can alter teen brain development, affecting learning, memory and concentration. 
• The lungs of teens are also still developing, and vaping can expose youth to various toxic chemicals.
• Youth may be vaping without their parents knowing as vape products come in all shapes, colours and flavours, making the products difficult for parents to recognize.
• Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future.
• The long-term safety of inhaling the substances in vaping products is unknown.

Parents, caregivers, teachers and community partners are encouraged to learn more and get tips and resources on how to talk with their kids about vaping. 

Residents are also encouraged to report the illegal sale or supply of vape products to anyone under 19 years of age to York Region Public Health.

York Region Tobacco and E-cigarette Control Officers enforce the Smoke-Free Ontario Act 2017 at tobacco and electronic cigarette retail establishments by providing education, conducting compliance inspections and investigating public complaints.

Learn more at york.ca/YouthVaping