Vape Talk

Previously published in volume 85, Issue 3

Abstract
The recent news led me to realize that it is important to be able to have impactful conversations with the youth in our lives about e-cigarettes. Read on for some simple information to get you started.

Not too long ago, conversation at my dinner table took an interesting turn. My 13-yr-old announced, "vaping is not what people are claiming it to be." When he went on to explain the health risks he had studied in school, my younger son, 11, chimed in with sincere questions. At some points, there was both shock and disbelief. Is vaping really that dangerous? What do we know so far? Who is being affected? What about related news headlines proclaiming a teen needed a double-lung transplant? Or the story of another teen who developed an illness similar to "popcorn lung?"

It led me to realize that it is important to be able to have impactful conversations with the youth in our lives about e-cigarettes. Read on for some simple information to get you started.

Numbers to Note

Vaping was originally touted to be a safer alternative for cigarette-smoking adults. But, due to attractive packaging, the discreet nature of many vaping devices, flavoured vape "juices" boasting names like Rocket Popsicle, Blue Slushee, and Bubblegum, it is not too surprising that vaping has captured a lot of attention from the younger crowd.

Fifteen percent of Canadians have tried vaping. Data from the Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey shows that 23 percent of students in Grades 7-12 had tried a vaping product. Fifty-three percent of all students surveyed thought it would be "fairly easy" or "very easy" to get a vaping product.

Vaping-related illnesses are on the rise. The federal government has confirmed four cases of vaping-related lung disease and a small number of probable, but yet-to-be-confirmed, related deaths.

As of November, United States health authorities put the number of vaping-related deaths at 39. The number of lung injuries connected to vaping was a whopping 2,051.

The Current Situation

In the United States, the president has voiced his support for raising the minimum purchase age from 18 to 21. Some states have banned e-cigarettes altogether. There is also a movement to block the sales of flavoured products due to their attractiveness to the younger population.

Closer to home, Canada (on both the federal and provincial levels) is continuing to adopt legislation centered around advertising restrictions, minimum age, and sales bans.

Engaging in Conversation

Scientists and health professionals have yet to get a full picture of both short-term and the long-term health effects of vaping, and government policy is shifting. But, there is a growing body of evidence showing that there are real risks. As the issue unfolds there are things that we, as parents and educators, can do:

• Talk with other teachers and school administrators about vaping prevention strategies or presentations.
• Have open, honest conversations with kids about what is known so far. Asking them what they know about vaping is a good start. Be receptive to their thoughts.
• Have access to a list of resources that can help those who want to quit.
• Be prepared with solid stats and facts that you can share, as kids will be more responsive.​
• Don't forget to talk about social issues like bad breath and financial cost.​
• Help them to practice saying "NO" or other things they can say if they are offered vaping products.