The ABCs of tobacco and vaping

January 18, 2021

	There is a misconception among people, that aerosol that results from vaping, is only water vapour. In reality, vaping heats a liquid that produces an aerosol, which contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke like heavy metals, carbonyls, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These toxic chemicals may cause cancer, lung disease, and heart disease.
	Youth are especially susceptible to the negative effects of nicotine which can affect memory, concentration, and their alter brain development.
	Damage done by smoke, to people who smoke and vape – even younger people - makes it easier to get many lung illnesses. This may put them at risk for serious complications if they get COVID-19. If you do smoke or vape, remember to maintain a safe physical distance. Stay at least two metres (six feet) apart if smoking or vaping in a group, and smoke or vape outside instead of inside.
	When inhaled, diacetyl causes "popcorn lung" - a chronic disease that causes scarring in the lungs narrowing the airways, and making people cough and feel short of breath
	Men who smoke are twice as likely to experience impotence than those who don't smoke. Exposure to second-hand smoke is a significant factor in becoming impotent.
	Inhaling formaldehyde can cause symptoms like sore throat, cough, scratchy eyes, and nosebleeds. It’s also known to cause cancer of the nose and throat.
	Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. Smoking makes it harder for saliva to remove bacteria in the mouth, and as a result smokers have a higher chance of stained teeth, bad breath, and gum disease.
	Nicotine raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack.
	The tobacco plant has been an integral part of Indigenous culture for thousands of years, and should be treated with great respect. It is important not to confuse traditional tobacco and its sacred uses, with commercial tobacco and the addiction epidemic we see today.
	E-juice or Vape Juice is made up of propylene glycol or glycerine, flavourings and often nicotine. The health implications and safety of inhaling these substances are not yet known.
	Kids are at higher risk of getting sick from second-hand smoke because their lungs are still developing. Kids exposed to second-hand smoke have a greater risk of getting lung infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. They also suffer from chronic coughing, wheezing and breathing problems, and are more likely to get asthma when exposed to second-hand smoke.
	Researchers say that more than 90% of lung cancers in men and at least 70% in women are directly caused by cigarette smoking. Lung cancer can also be caused by second-hand smoke. People who regularly breathe second-hand smoke have almost double the risk of getting lung cancer than people who stay away from smoke.
	Smoking is bad for your health, but it can also make a serious dent in your bank account. Did you know that smoking 5 cigarettes per day could cost you $1500 per year? And 10 cigarettes per day could cost you $3000 per year? Think of what you could buy with that money! Visit the Break It Off website to find out how much of your money is going up in smoke!
	While other chemicals primarily affect the body, nicotine affects the brain. When people use nicotine products, nicotine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching the brain within seconds. In teens, nicotine can significantly alter brain development.
	Smoking and chewing tobacco are a major cause of oral cancer. Thirty-seven percent (37%) of people diagnosed with oral cancer are expected to die within 5 years after diagnosis.
	Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem that results in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin that can occur anywhere on your body. Experts believe psoriasis occurs when the immune system causes the skin to become inflamed. Smoking can make psoriasis worse.
	Choosing to quit smoking is a huge decision. Luckily, today there are many methods for young adults to choose from, and different apps, groups and coaches available for support. Learn more about resources available and be done with smoking and vaping at BreakItOff.ca
	Despite efforts by health care professionals, smoking during pregnancy remains a serious public health problem. Approximately 20% - 30% of pregnant women use tobacco during pregnancy which results in serious risks for both the woman and the fetus. Smoking during pregnancy has been shown to increase risks of: low birth weight, still births, decreased fetal growth, premature births, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and infertility.
	There is no risk-free level of exposure to tobacco smoke. It affects other adults around you, children, and pets. Long-term effects of second-hand smoke exposure increases the risk of asthma, heart disease, stroke, and many types of cancer.
	Smoking can cause laryngeal cancer - cancer of the larynx. The larynx connects the throat (pharynx) to the windpipe, which leads to the lungs. It is an important structure that serves three main functions - to help you breathe, swallow, and speak.
	Smoking can make you more prone to peptic ulcers, it makes them take longer to heal, and more likely to reoccur.
	Young adults are encouraged not to start vaping. There are many misconceptions about the harms of vaping and a false belief that it is safe or, at the very least, harmless. This could not be farther from the truth!
	Everyone will have their own experience with withdrawal symptoms. For some, withdrawal won’t feel so bad. For others, it will feel horrible. Know that these symptoms won’t last forever, and usually become less noticeable after the first 4-5 days.
	Inhaling smoke causes permanent damage to the lungs, making their job of circulating oxygen to the rest of the body very difficult. Chest x-rays of a smoker can help detect chronic disease, heart and blood vessel issues, and some cancers.
	Young people are especially susceptible to the negative effects of nicotine and other chemicals found in vaping products, such as addiction.
	There is a misconception that inhaling "zero nicotine" products is safe. In reality, the harmful impacts of inhaling flavouring chemicals and other additives are still widely unknown.

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