E -Cigarettes 101
What is an e-cigarette?
An e-cigarette is a handheld electronic device that simulates the feeling of smoking.
It works by heating the liquid to generate an aerosol, also called a vapour that the user inhales and exhales.
Using e-cigarettes is commonly referred to as vaping.
Unlike cigarettes, the vape smoke produced by e-cigarettes contain no cancer causing chemicals
True or False
False
The vape smoke produced by e-cigarettes has been found to contain many chemicals which cause cancer including heavy metals, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), and carbonyls.
E- cigarettes are the most commonly used nicotine product used by youth
True of False
True
Only 7% of youth (grades 7-12) smoked cigarettes, but 11% of youth used e-cigarettes in 2017
In Ontario, e-cigarettes can be sold to someone who is 18 years of age and older
True or False
True
According to Canada's Tobacco and Vaping Control Act which became law May 23, 2018, it is illegal to sell e-cigarettes and vaping products to youth under the age of 19.
What is the liquid in e-cigarettes called?
E-juice or vape juice
There are over 7,000 different flavours available. The e-cigarette usually has a base solution of propylene glycol and/or glycerin, flavouring and often nicotine.
Different flavours may contain different chemicals. While we do not know the dangers of all the chemicals which have been found in e-juice, we do know that harmful chemicals such as diacetyl and acetyl propionyl have been found in a large number of sweet e-liquid flavours.
As well, the e-juice may be contaminated with other harmful chemicals not listed on their labels.
The secondhand vape smoke from e-cigarettes isn't harmful
True or False
False
Secondhand e-cigarette aerosol may pose a health risk to people who are nearby. Toxic chemicals such as nicotine, glycol, carbonyls, heavy metals, and other harmful small particles have been found in secondhand vape smoke.
Although the amount of harmful chemicals in secondhand e-cigarette smoke is less than the amount of chemicals that are in the vape smoke people inhale when they use an e-cigarette, the chemicals in secondhand smoke are still harmful to the people who inhale them.
Name 1 reason youth start using e-cigarettes
Youth may start using e-cigarettes for a variety of reasons including
1. to look cool
2. to fit in
3. for the flavours
4. as part of a social activity
5. because it's something new to try
6. because they think vaping is harmless
You can vape inside of a mall, community centre, skate park, or sporting fields
True or False
False
People cannot vape inside any enclosed public space such restaurants, schools, community centres, malls, workplaces. People cannot vape within 20m of a park, playground, skatepark, or school.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarette vapor does not contain nicotine or tar
True of False
False
E-cigarettes may contain nicotine but do not contain tar.
Tar is the common name for small the pieces of toxic chemicals left behind in your lungs by burning tobacco.
Nicotine is the chemical which causes addiction.
E-cigarettes accidentally injure people
True or False
True
Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, some of which have resulted in serious injuries.
You can be poisoned by e-juice getting spilled on your skin or if you swallow e-juice straight from the bottle.
What percentage of youth tried vaping in 2017 in Waterloo Region?
17% of youth in the Region of Waterloo tried vaping in the last year.
*Youth refers to those in grades 9-12
It is okay to use an e-cigarette in a car with someone who is under 16 years of age
True or False
False
You cannot use an e-cigarette (or a regular cigarette) in a car or truck with someone who is under 16 years of age. This includes siblings or friends.
Name 2 of the main components of an e-cigarette
E-cigarettes vary widely in design and appearance, but all operate in a similar manner and have four main parts
1. a battery
2. a cartridge/tank
3. liquid
4. an atomizer containing a heating element.
The energy from the battery powers the atomizer to heat the liquid to a temperature generally ranging from 100 to 250°C and converts it into an aerosol, which users draw into their mouth and lungs.
Youth who use e-cigarettes do not end up smoking later on in life
True or False
False
Research shows that youth who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke later on in life. And youth in later life may smoke more often, and smoke more cigarettes when they smoke.
Males are more likely to use E-cigarettes than females in the region of Waterloo in 2017
True or False
True
Use of E-cigarettes is more prevalent among male youth (18%) than female youth (15%).
*Youth are in grades 9-12
Name 1 harmful ingredient that may be found in vape smoke
Vape smoke may contain the following harmful ingredients
1. heavy metals such as lead, chromium, nickel, copper, aluminum, and mercury
2. carbonyls such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein
3. flavourings containing harmful chemicals such as acetyl propionyl
4. glycerin
5. propylene glycol
6. tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs)
E-cigarette ''juice'' is sold in flavors such as Peanut Butter Cookie , Grandma's Apple Pie, Rainbow Custard, Unicorn blood and Kryptonite
True or False
True
While these flavourings may be safe to eat, they have not been tested for their safety when inhaled. The lungs are designed to filter one substance: oxygen.
Science shows that e- cigarettes always have a positive impact on helping people quit smoking
True or False
False
Most smokers who try e-cigarettes don't stop smoking. They may use e-cigarettes for a while then go back to smoking, or they may vape and smoke for a while, and then go back to only smoking.
Name 1 impact e-cigarettes can have on youth
E-cigarettes can have the following impacts
1. vaping can make smoking look normal again
2. nicotine in e-cigarettes makes it harder for youth to learn, concentrate, or control their impulses.
3. nicotine can train your brain to be more easily addicted to other drugs
4. e-cigarettes contain chemicals that could be harmful
E-cigarettes cannot be used within how many metres of a school?
20 metres (same as smoking)