The A-Z of vaping

The chemicals used in vaping liquids differ among manufacturers, with varying compositions. Research by Health Canada detected an average of 22 chemicals and roughly nine flavouring chemicals in Canadian vaping products. And, new chemicals can also form when vaping liquids are heated (through the aerosolization process) or if liquids come into contact with parts of the vaping device (e.g., coil).

Our A-Z of vaping social media campaign explores the chemicals that might be found in your vape.

A is for ADDICTIVE

The nicotine in vapour products, just as in cigarettes, is addictive. Here’s what we know about the health effects of nicotine:

• children and youth are more likely to develop a nicotine dependence, even with limited exposure
• nicotine:
  • can affect memory and concentration;
  • can alter brain development especially in children and youth; and may reduce impulse-control; and cause cognitive and behavioural problems in children and youth.
• When you stop vaping or smoking, the nicotine levels in your body drop and you may have withdrawal symptoms, like headaches, shakes, dizziness, anxiety, or depression.

Watch the "hamster" video here.

F is for FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde isn’t an ingredient in vape products, it’s a by-product – which means it can be created during the process of vaping when the e-juice is heated and inhaled.

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that is emitted mainly from household products and building materials, Formaldehyde is also found naturally in small amounts in some foods (including fruits), and humans make small amounts of formaldehyde as part of the normal metabolic process.

Formaldehyde is an irritant. Exposure to high concentrations can cause burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. Long-term exposure to moderate concentrations (at levels lower than those causing irritation) may worsen asthma symptoms. This is particularly true in children and infants. It may also be linked to other respiratory symptoms and allergic sensitivity. Formaldehyde is classified as "carcinogenic to humans" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). 

Research has shown concerning levels of formaldehyde in the aerosol from vaping. And, that formaldehyde hemiacetals (a new form of formaldehyde) may actually deliver the chemical deeper into the lungs.

Watch the "cow" video here.

H is for HEAVY METALS

Like formaldehyde, heavy metals can be produced when vaping, but are not ingredients in vapour products. 

Some metal contaminants (e.g. nickel, chromium, tin, aluminum) may also get into the vapour as the metal heating element gets older. Some of these chemicals and metals are known to cause cancer.

Watch the “bats” video here.
Watch the “buff bear” video here.

M is for MOOD

Many young people say they vape to help with their mental health to improve their mood, reduce stress and anxiety. 

Nicotine temporarily raises your dopamine levels, giving you a "rush" of feel-good hormones when you smoke or vape. But that good feeling quickly fades away and can leave you feeling agitated and restless. 

Studies reveal that vaping is associated with negative mental health changes, similar to smoking cigarettes. 

Nicotine can make symptoms of depression and anxiety worse.

Watch the “camel” video here.

If you or someone you care about is in need of mental health supports, visit wellbeing.gov.bc.ca

P is for PULEGONE

Pulegone helps give mint vapour products their flavour. The chemical is a suspected carcinogen that was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive, and it has also been found to cause cancer in lab animals. 

When measured against all tested vapour products, pulegone was found in 11 out of 825 (1.3%) Canadian vapour products at unknown concentration levels. As pulegone is used mainly in mint/menthol flavoured vapour products it was found in 9 of 11 mint/menthol products. That's more than 80% of mint/menthol vapour products!

Watch the “rat” video here.

The point is: 

THERE’S MORE TO VAPING THAN YOU THINK.

These are just a few of the possible chemicals that you might be inhaling when you vape. Because vaping is relatively new, the long-term safety of inhaling the substances in vaping products is unknown and continues to be assessed.

Find more in HEALTH INFO FOR YOUTH 

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