Vaping, Nicotine & You

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A research assignment prepared by Doug Rogers, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor

What Is This Assignment About?

Some companies say that vapes and e-cigarettes are safer than regular cigarettes. This assignment asks you to look carefully at that claim and decide what you think — using real facts and research.

You will explore how vaping affects your body and brain, what the laws say, and whether the companies that make vapes have been honest with young people. You will also get a chance to reflect on your own life and goals.

How to Complete This Assignment

Use the research links at the bottom of this page to find your answers. Do not just go by what you already think you know.
Write all your answers in full sentences — not point form.
Each answer should be at least the length shown under the text box.
Questions are labelled by type: Science, Policy, Ethics, or Personal. Each one needs a different kind of thinking.
When you are finished, click Submit to Vice Principal to send your answers.

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Part One — Science & Health

Science

What is actually inside a vape or e-cigarette? What happens to the liquid when it gets heated up, and what does a person breathe in when they use one? Name some of the specific chemicals involved.

Think about: the liquid base, flavourings, nicotine, and the new chemicals that form when heat is applied.

Minimum: 150 words

Science

How does nicotine affect the brain and cause addiction? And why are teenagers more likely to get addicted than adults?

Think about: how nicotine reaches the brain, which part of the brain it affects, what "addiction" actually means in the brain, and why the teenage brain is still developing.

Minimum: 200 words

Science

What is "nicotine salt" and how is it different from the regular nicotine found in older e-cigarettes? Why did vaping companies start using it, and why does it make vapes more addictive — especially for young people?

Think about: what makes nicotine salt smoother to inhale, how quickly it reaches the brain compared to regular nicotine, and why devices like JUUL became so popular with teenagers.

Minimum: 200 words

Science

What is EVALI? Describe what it is, what the symptoms are, and what likely caused it. What does the EVALI outbreak tell us about the idea that vaping is "safe"?

EVALI stands for "e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury." It made thousands of people seriously ill in 2019. Research what caused it and what it revealed about vaping safety claims.

Minimum: 150 words

Science

What do scientists currently know about the long-term health effects of vaping? What do they still not know — and why is not knowing something still a serious concern for public health?

Think about: how long vaping has existed, what kinds of research take many years to complete, and why "we haven't proven it's harmful yet" is not the same as "it's safe."

Minimum: 150 words

Part Two — Rules & Laws

Policy

Canada has a law called the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA). What does this law cover? What is it trying to prevent, and do you think it does a good job of protecting young people?

Look up what the TVPA says about: the minimum age to buy vapes, advertising rules, flavour restrictions, and nicotine limits. Then give your own opinion on whether it is working.

Minimum: 150 words

Policy

What is School District 22's rule about vaping on school property? What happens to students who are caught? Do you think this rule is fair — too strict, not strict enough, or about right? Explain your thinking.

Look at the SD22 policy document linked below. Describe the actual rule, and then give your own reasoned opinion — not just what you think Mr. Rogers wants to hear.

Minimum: 150 words

Part Three — Right, Wrong & Hard Questions

Ethics

Vaping companies have sold flavoured products — like mango, candy, and mint — in ways that many people say were designed to get young people hooked. Do you think that is true? What specific things did these companies do, and what do you think their responsibility should be?

Think about: how vaping products were designed and advertised, who they seemed to be aimed at, and compare it to how tobacco companies used cartoon characters like Joe Camel to target kids decades ago.

Minimum: 200 words

Ethics

Some people say vaping is a good option for adults who are trying to quit smoking regular cigarettes. Others say this argument has been used as an excuse to get a whole new generation of young people addicted to nicotine. What is the strongest argument on each side — and what do you personally think?

Try to be fair to both sides before you share your own opinion. The strongest answers will show that you understand why reasonable people disagree on this.

Minimum: 250 words

Ethics

In 2021, Canada banned most flavoured vaping products (except tobacco and menthol flavours in some provinces). Do you agree with this ban? Use evidence to back up your position, and deal with the strongest argument against your view.

Consider: Why were flavours such a big deal to young people who start vaping? Are there adults who rely on flavoured products to stay off cigarettes? Where should the line be drawn between personal freedom and protecting public health?

Minimum: 200 words

Part Four — Your Life & Your Choices

Personal

Imagine a realistic situation where someone your age is being pressured by friends to try vaping. Describe the situation in detail — then explain what the person could actually say or do to get out of it without ruining the friendship.

Be honest and realistic. "Just say no" is not enough — think about what actually works when you are in the moment with people you care about.

Minimum: 150 words

Personal

What are your real goals for this school year and for your future — school, sports, work, relationships, or anything else that matters to you? Be specific. Then think honestly about how this suspension, and the behaviour that led to it, affects your ability to reach those goals.

This question is about thinking clearly — not about feeling guilty. What are the actual real-world consequences? What do you want to do about them?

Minimum: 200 words

Personal

If you currently use vaping or nicotine products: after learning what you now know about how nicotine salt works and how it affects the developing brain, has anything changed in how you think about your own use? If you do not use vaping: what is the one thing from this assignment that surprised you the most, and why?

There is no "right" answer here. Be honest. This is between you and Mr. Rogers.

Minimum: 150 words

Research Resources — Use These to Find Your Answers

Health Canadacanada.ca — Vaping Information & Regulations

QuitNow BCquitnow.ca — Help Quitting Nicotine

SD22 PolicySD22 Vaping Practice Document (PDF)

NIDAteens.drugabuse.gov — Tobacco, Nicotine & E-Cigarettes

Medical News TodayE-Cigarette Research Article

Consumer ReportsTeens Who Vape Are More Likely to Try Regular Cigarettes

Fact SheetVaping Fact Sheet

TVPATobacco and Vaping Products Act — Full Text

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