‘24% of students are vaping,’ Northern Health reminds public of risks

On the heels of National Non-Smoking Week, Northern Health is once again cautioning the public that vaping isn’t risk-free.

Northern Health says that while 21% of people in Northern BC use tobacco, 24% of students in Northern BC are vaping or using other products with nicotine.

“It’s never a good idea to inhale nicotine, cannabis, or other harmful chemicals that can damage the lungs,” the organization advises.

Northern Health cautions that vaping products may contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to lung diseases, as well as heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead.

“We do know that kids are engaging in this activity, and they don’t know that it’s not harmless,” said Lindsay Willoner, Northern Health Cannabis and Tobacco Reduction spokesperson.

Furthermore, Northern Health explained that “the long term effects of vaping are unknown,” while also emphasizing the array of known negative short-term effects including mood swings and anxiety, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

“We know it can lead to nicotine addiction,” explained Willoner.

Health authorities throughout the province continue to make efforts to discourage vaping, including substantial tax increases.

Northern Health offers an array of online resources to reduce or eliminate tobacco and nicotine consumption.