New research shows that 83% of youth (defined as those between the ages of 15 and 19) have tried flavoured vaping products while one in four kids, as young as 12 years old, have tried vaping. In just one year, the number of Canadian teens who have used a vape has increased by 74%.
While some adults may use the product to quit smoking, the addition of attractive, “yummy” flavours and vape devices that resemble everyday items has made it appealing and easy for youth to use. Its discreet packaging has also made it easy for youth to hide use from parents and teachers.
The Canadian Lung Association and Heart & Stroke have partnered on a video campaign that takes a satirical approach to shedding light on the topic of kid-friendly flavours in vaping products. The video explores the danger of masking addictive substances, such as nicotine, with appealing flavours. Dressing up vaping products in fun flavours does not make them harmless. The accompanying information at www.lung.ca/vaping aims to bring further awareness to the issue, the alarming vaping rates among youth and to educate parents on the harms of vaping.
Anti-Vaping and Youth Campaign – Background Insight
With more than 7,000 flavours available the Canadian Lung Association and Heart & Stroke are taking action.
Vape pods and e-juices contain a combination of ingredients that are deemed as acceptable for consumption (eating), ranging from propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavouring. When heated and inhaled, new chemicals are created that are harmful to the human body, especially at a young age. More notably, vape products contain nicotine, an addictive drug, creating a strong desire and ultimately, dependency. While the long-term health effects of vaping are still unknown, subjecting one’s lungs to vaping is harmful at any age, but is especially harmful among developing children and youth.
If this is something you and your readers are interested in, we would be happy to facilitate an interview with representatives from the Canadian Lung Association or Heart & Stroke who can speak to the video and other aspects of the vaping crisis.
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