Vaping (or e-cigarettes), especially among younger Canadians, has become a significant public health issue in Canada. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in youth vaping. According to the 2022 Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine survey, 6% of Canadians aged 15 and older reported vaping in the past month. Among younger age groups, the numbers were higher, with 14% of youth aged 15 – 19 and 20% of those aged 20 – 24 reporting vaping in the past month, compared to only 4% of Canadians aged 25 and older. Additionally, a survey of Canadian students in grades 7-12 found that 17% reported using a vaping product in the past 30 days. [See this Stats Canada Post for more data on the Vaping issue: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5339-smoke-20th-century-may-be-clearing-vaping-clouds-are-rise]
Vaping products entered into the Canadian market as a tool for quitting smoking. Despite being less harmful than traditional cigarettes, vaping is not without health risks. Moreover, a teenager addicted to nicotine, unable to find a vape when cravings arise, might easily be tempted by a readily available cigarette. This fear raises the possibility of reversing the progress made over decades in reducing cigarette smoking.
Using your understanding of module topics, what motivates the demand for vaping? How do an individual’s time preferences and the economic environment influence the decision to vape?
What kind of externalities does vaping behaviour generate? What type of government policies can curb vaping behavior, particularly among youth?
Here are some optional audio/video resources for those who want to learn more about the emergence of the vape (e-cigarettes) market, the associated health risks and public health concerns.
CBC podcast: The Dose – What should I know about vaping? [25:38 mins]
C.D. Howe Institute podcast: The vape debate with Ian Irvine [30 mins]
CMAJ Podcast: Managing the serious risks of vaping among youth [28:11 mins]
Documentary on Netflix Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul