Chapters authored
The Electronic Cigarette Use in Canada – Local and Global Considerations
Since its invention in 2003, electronic cigarettes’ (EC) users have been growing worldwide. ECs were first introduced in the market in Canada in 2004, and they remained illegal until 2018. ECs were initially marketed as a safer and cleaner alternative for the traditional combustible smoking and smoking cessation measures. Statistics show that EC use prevalence is the highest among the youths (15–19) and adolescents (20–24) years of age. EC has to promote cessation as it supplies nicotine to smokers prevent nicotine withdrawal syndrome and reduce motivation to continue smoking. EC use becomes a gateway to tobacco use and nicotine addiction. Nicotine exposure to youth and adolescents can damage the developing brain. EC use is also associated with an increased heart attack rate and other health problems. There are various reasons for using ECs, such as curiosity, quitting combustible smoking, or cutting down the number of cigarette use. Many people start ECs use before the age of 19 years. Majority of vapers like fruit flavor. Dual combustible cigarette smoking and EC use is a burning issue globally, including in Canada.
Part of the book: Global Health Security