Vaping among youths has been linked to deaths and lung injuries; our youth need to be warned!

BY PAUL JUNOR

The widespread use of e-cigarettes among youths has caused some alarm. Incidences of deaths and negative health effects have been documented. Many people are concerned as they see the active promotion of e-cigarettes in convenience stores, gas stations and other places where teenagers frequent. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are also called vapes, e-hookas, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic delivery systems (ENDS). Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping. E-cigarettes heat a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs. The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the high.”  Many youths are seduced to vaping because they see it as a harmless alternative to cigarette smoking and they are able to enjoy the emotional effects of feeling high without smoking marijuana.

According to the CDC’s report on November 21^st, there have been 2,290 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping product use associated lung injuries (EVALI) that have been reported from 49 states in the U.S. There have also been 47 confirmed deaths. Of the 2,016 cases that were reported as of November 5^th, 53% of the cases were between the ages 18 to 24 years old. The Canadian Medical Association reported in the Friday, November 22^nd edition of the Toronto Star, there was one case of a Canadian teen that suffered life-threatening and chronic lung injuries linked to regular vaping. The 17-year-old youth who was in good health experienced severe cough, shortness of breath and fever and revealed that he was vaping frequently for five months. He had been using different flavours, like cotton candy and often adding THC to the vaping liquid. He was able to recover from his illness but according to Dr. Karen Bosma, “He continues to have certain impairments, and a chronic injury that has lasted four months. He is fortunate to have survived and recover completely.”

Under the Tobacco and Vaping Product Acts, vaping products have been legalized since 2018. The Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) surveyed students in grades 7-12 and found that 15% of the students surveyed tried e-cigarettes. Some of the higher rates of use were found in students between the ages of 15 to 24 years. Researchers at the University of Waterloo in an article titled, “Youth in Canada and U.S vaping more than ever” observed that between 2017 and 2018, the number of teenagers who acknowledged that they had vaped within the last 30 days increased by 5% in the U.S and 8%in Canada. England remains consistent. According to Professor David Hammond, “In 2018, not only were more youths in Canada and the U.S trying e-cigarettes, but there was also a shift toward more frequent.”

As the CDC continues to investigate current cases, it has recommended that, “E-cigarette, or vaping products should never be used by youths, young adults, or women who are pregnant.”  Robin Pilkey, the chair of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in a letter on November 22^nd  to Health Canada expressed concerns about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping products on youths. He advised Health Canada to ban e-cigarettes, remove flavoured e-cigarette products and increase regulations and advertise restrictions. TDSB has developed online lessons on e-cigarette literacy at tdsb.on/vaping.