Understanding Vaping Statistics

In order to comprehend the impact of vaping on various populations, it is essential to examine the vaping rates among youth in different regions, such as the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). Additionally, understanding the prevalence of vaping among youth, the involvement of non-smoking youth, and the dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco provides further insight into the landscape of vaping.

Vaping Rates Among Youth in the European Union

Vaping rates among youth in the European Union (EU) have been a cause for concern in recent years. In 2018, the current vaping rates among youth aged 15 years in the EU were 21.7% (Archives of Public Health). However, the rates varied among different countries within the EU. For instance, Poland had the highest vaping rate among 15-year-olds at 38.7%, while Malta had the lowest rate at 11.3%.

Vaping Rates Among Youth in the United States

Vaping rates among youth in the United States have also been significant. Data from 2019 to 2020 revealed that 18.3% of 10th graders, 23.1% of 12th graders, and 31.9% of young adults aged 19 to 28 years reported past-month vaping. These statistics emphasize the widespread use of e-cigarettes among young individuals in the US.

Prevalence of Vaping Among Youth in the EU, US, and Canada

Comparing the prevalence of vaping among youth in different regions provides a broader perspective. The prevalence of current vaping among youth aged 15 years in the EU, the US, and Canada was 20.1%, 22.9%, and 21.4%, respectively. These numbers highlight the substantial presence of vaping among young individuals in these regions.

Non-Smoking Youth and Vaping

Notably, a significant portion of youth who vape have never smoked cigarettes. Among 15-year-old youth in the EU who had ever tried vaping, 12.0% reported that they had never smoked cigarettes (Archives of Public Health). This suggests that vaping is attracting non-smoking youth, potentially leading to nicotine addiction and subsequent health risks.

Dual Use of E-Cigarettes and Tobacco

The prevalence of dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco among youth is another aspect to consider. Among 15-year-old youth who had ever tried vaping, the prevalence of dual use ranged from 2.9% in the Netherlands to 33.0% in England. These statistics indicate that a considerable number of youth who experiment with vaping also engage in tobacco use, raising concerns about the potential gateway effect of e-cigarettes.

Understanding the vaping rates among youth, the involvement of non-smoking youth, and the dual use of e-cigarettes and tobacco provides critical insights into the impact of vaping on young individuals. These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive measures to address the growing prevalence of vaping and protect the health and well-being of the younger generation. 

Vaping Statistics & Facts Among Adults

When examining the prevalence of vaping, it is essential to consider the statistics among adults. The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has gained popularity in recent years, with varying trends and demographics.

Current Use of Electronic Cigarettes in the US

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019 and 2020, approximately 4.8% of U.S. adults reported current use of electronic cigarettes CDC. It is important to note that this data represents the percentage of adults who reported using e-cigarettes at the time of the survey. The prevalence of e-cigarette use tends to be higher among young adults aged 18-24 years compared to older age groups.

Demographics of E-Cigarette Users

Demographic factors play a role in e-cigarette use among adults. The CDC reports that current electronic cigarette use is more prevalent among non-Hispanic White adults, with 6.2% reporting use, compared to non-Hispanic Black adults (3.5%) and Hispanic adults (3.8%) CDC. These variations indicate disparities in e-cigarette use across different racial and ethnic groups.

Trends in E-Cigarette Use Among Adults

The use of e-cigarettes has seen a gradual increase over time. Between 2016 and 2020, the percentage of U.S. adults who reported ever using an e-cigarette rose from 14.4% to 16.2% CDC. This indicates a growing trend in e-cigarette experimentation or use among adults. Notably, among adults aged 18-24 years, the percentage reporting ever using an e-cigarette increased from 34.1% in 2016 to 38.9% in 2020 CDC.

It is worth mentioning that not all e-cigarette users are individuals who have previously smoked traditional tobacco cigarettes. In 2020, approximately 1 in 5 never-smoking, current e-cigarette users reported using nicotine-free products CDC. This highlights the diversity of preferences and usage patterns among e-cigarette users.

Understanding the statistics surrounding adult vaping is crucial in comprehending the scope and trends of e-cigarette use. It is important to stay informed about the potential benefits of vaping as well as the vaping health risks associated with these products. Government regulations and public health initiatives are essential in addressing the challenges posed by vaping.

The Health Implications of Vaping

Vaping, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), has gained popularity in recent years. However, it is crucial to understand the potential health implications associated with this practice. In this section, we will explore some of the key concerns related to vaping, including the outbreak of lung injuries and deaths, the chemical ingredients in vape products, the risks of nicotine addiction, and the potential transition from youth vaping to tobacco use.

Outbreak of Lung Injuries and Deaths Linked to Vaping

In 2020, an alarming outbreak of lung injuries and deaths linked to vaping was reported. This condition, known as EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), affected thousands of individuals. According to the CDC, there were 2,807 cases of EVALI and 68 confirmed deaths in the United States Johns Hopkins Medicine. The outbreak primarily affected those using black market modified e-liquids and THC-containing products. While e-cigarettes may expose users to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, this outbreak highlighted the potential risks associated with vaping.

Chemical Ingredients in Vape Products

Research conducted by Johns Hopkins University identified thousands of chemical ingredients in vape products. These ingredients include potentially harmful substances such as caffeine, three chemicals previously not found in e-cigarettes, a pesticide, and flavorings associated with toxic effects and respiratory irritation Johns Hopkins Medicine. The presence of these substances raises concerns about the long-term health effects of vaping.

Nicotine Addiction and Adverse Effects

Nicotine, a highly addictive substance, is present in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Vaping exposes users to nicotine, leading to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and adverse effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Emerging data suggests associations between e-cigarette use and chronic lung disease, asthma, and cardiovascular disease Johns Hopkins Medicine. It is important to recognize that e-cigarettes can be as addictive as traditional cigarettes, and users may be exposed to higher concentrations of nicotine depending on the strength of the cartridges or the voltage used Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Youth Vaping and Transition to Tobacco Use

One of the significant concerns surrounding vaping is its impact on youth. In 2021, more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes, with flavored e-cigarettes being particularly popular Johns Hopkins Medicine. E-cigarettes' appeal to young individuals can be attributed to misconceptions about their harmlessness, lower cost compared to traditional cigarettes, and lack of smoke, which reduces the stigma associated with smoking. However, this trend raises concerns among experts as it may lead to nicotine addiction and eventually transition to tobacco product use in the future Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Understanding the potential health implications of vaping is crucial for individuals considering or currently using e-cigarettes. It is essential to stay informed about the latest research and findings regarding vaping to make informed decisions about one's health and well-being. 

Vaping Statistics in Canada

Vaping has become a growing concern in Canada, particularly among young individuals. Let's take a closer look at some of the vaping statistics specific to Canada.

Increase in Youth Vaping

Data from the 2018–2019 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CSTADS) reveals a rapid increase in youth vaping in Canada. Compared to the previous survey conducted in 2016–2017, the prevalence of vaping has doubled among students. In the 2018–2019 survey, it was found that 11% of students in grades 7 to 9 and 29% of students in grades 10 to 12 had vaped in the past 30 days (Gazette.gc.ca).

Lack of Awareness of Vaping Harms

Despite the increasing prevalence of vaping, evidence suggests that many Canadians have limited knowledge about the potential harms of using vaping products. According to the 2017 Canadian Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Survey, approximately one in four Canadians were unaware of the harms associated with vaping, either using an e-cigarette occasionally (23%) or on a regular basis (24%). This lack of awareness emphasizes the importance of education and public health campaigns to inform individuals about the potential risks of vaping.

Vaping Products Promotion Regulations in Canada

To address the concerns surrounding vaping, Canada has implemented the Vaping Products Promotion Regulations. These regulations aim to reduce the impact of vaping product promotion on young individuals and non-users of tobacco products. One key aspect of these regulations is the prohibition of vaping product promotion and vaping product-related brand elements through advertising that can be seen or heard by young persons.

Additionally, the Vaping Products Promotion Regulations require that all vaping product advertising includes a health warning about the hazards of vaping product use. The health warning must be displayed in a standard sans serif type and centered in the display area, occupying not less than 60% and not more than 70% of the display area (Gazette.gc.ca). This regulation aims to increase awareness of the potential health risks associated with vaping.

By understanding the increase in youth vaping, the lack of awareness of vaping harms, and the vaping products promotion regulations in Canada, we can better comprehend the vaping landscape in the country. It is crucial to continue monitoring vaping statistics and implementing measures to educate the public and protect the health of Canadians.

Current Vaping Trends

Keeping up with current vaping trends is crucial for understanding the landscape of e-cigarette use. In this section, we will explore some recent trends in vaping, including the decline in youth e-cigarette use in the US, racial and ethnic disparities in e-cigarette use, and the shift in vaping habits over time.

Recent Decline in Youth E-Cigarette Use in the US

There has been a significant decline in e-cigarette use among youth in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of high school students using e-cigarettes decreased from 19.6% in 2020 to 12.1% in 2021, representing a substantial 38% reduction in vaping prevalence during that period. Similarly, e-cigarette use among middle school students showed a noteworthy decline from 4.7% in 2020 to 2.1% in 2021, indicating a significant 55% decrease in vaping prevalence in this age group (CDC).

These reductions in youth e-cigarette use are encouraging and suggest that efforts to curb vaping among young people are having an impact. However, it is still important to remain vigilant in addressing the factors that contribute to youth vaping, including marketing tactics, accessibility, and awareness of vaping health risks.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in E-Cigarette Use

Between 2020 and 2021, significant reductions in current e-cigarette use were observed in high school students across multiple racial and ethnic groups in the United States. The highest declines were seen among Hispanic students and Asian students (CDC). However, it is important to note that despite these declines, disparities still exist among different racial and ethnic groups.

Efforts to address these disparities should focus on understanding the underlying factors that contribute to differential rates of e-cigarette use among different populations. By identifying and implementing targeted prevention and education initiatives, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of e-cigarette use across all racial and ethnic groups.

Shift in Vaping Habits over Time

The prevalence of e-cigarette use among high school students in the United States has significantly decreased over the past few years. In 2019, the peak year for youth e-cigarette use, the prevalence stood at 27.5%. However, by 2021, it had dropped to 12.1%, marking a notable shift in vaping habits over a two-year period.

This decline suggests that public health campaigns, regulatory actions, and increased awareness of vaping facts have had a positive impact on reducing youth e-cigarette use. However, it is important to remain vigilant as the landscape of vaping continues to evolve. Continued monitoring, research, and education are crucial in addressing emerging trends and effectively combating the use of e-cigarettes among young people.

Understanding current vaping trends is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. By staying informed about the latest statistics and patterns of e-cigarette use, we can work towards reducing the prevalence of vaping, protecting the health of young people, and promoting a tobacco-free future.

Sources

https://archpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13690-022-00998-w

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db365.htm

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping

https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2020/2020-07-08/html/sor-dors143-eng.html#ftn22

https://www.niagararecovery.com/blog/vaping-statistics