The question of whether vaping might permanently harm lungs in young adults is being investigated in a new study at Dalhousie University.
Researchers found that approximately 15% of Canadian kids frequently use vapes. Users of electronic cigarettes, often known as e-cigarettes, must breathe in an aerosol mist in order to vape. Typically, the e-juice in the cartridges includes chemicals, propylene glycol, nicotine, and flavorings.
When working with a colleague who was touring high schools to talk about the negative impacts of vaping, Dr. Sanja Stanojevic, an assistant professor at the university’s Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, was inspired to conduct study on the subject.
In an interview with Global News Morning on Tuesday, she said, “For me, it kind of connected all the stars in terms of my work in understanding what happens in early life and then hearing about the numbers and how many youth in this province are exposed to vaping, not only through firsthand vaping exposure, but also through secondhand vape exposure.”
“And truly considering how we can most accurately define the harms, if any, that may exist.”
Since late adolescence and early adulthood are a “critical age” for lung development, it is crucial to determine whether exposure to vaping may predispose “an entire generation” to lung issues.
In an effort to lessen their attractiveness to young people, Nova Scotia became the first province in Canada to outlaw the sale of flavor-infused vape juice and e-cigarettes in April 2020.
In September of that year, higher taxes took effect, increasing the rate to 20 percent of the retail price of all devices and 50 cents per milliliter of liquid.
The results of this investigation are intended to educate medical professionals and decision-makers about the safety of vaping.
