A new study is reporting a significant increase in vaping among those 16-19 years old in Canada.
The study, led by Professor David Hammond of the University of Waterloo, found a massive 74% increase in youth vaping between August 2017 and August 2018.
A new study has found a dramatic and troubling 74% increase in youth vaping in Canada. Research shows that youth who vape are more likely to start smoking. Immediate action is needed by federal and provincial governments. https://t.co/91ATcxvj9o pic.twitter.com/PdS9OhsvDQ
— Canadian Cancer Society (@cancersociety) June 20, 2019
The study represents the first published data since Canada legalized e-cigarettes with nicotine in May of 2018.
Following legalization, major tobacco companies launched and heavily advertised their own e-cigarette brands across the country.
According to the study, cigarette smoking among 16-19 year-olds in the same 2017 to 2018 time period increased by 45%, from 10.7% to 15.5%.
Prior surveys up to and including 2017 had shown a continuing decline in youth smoking, which indicates youth smoking may now be increasing.
The Canadian Cancer Society has responded to the results urging the federal government to the minimum age to 21 for the sale of both tobacco and vaping products.
The CCS also urged provinces should also prohibit the sale of flavoured vaping products except in adult-only specialty vape shops.
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