CLOUD Study

Vaping products, including e-cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens, have become increasingly popular with both adolescent and adult Canadians, but the long-term health impacts remain unknown. They were promoted as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, but questions remain about their long-term safety. In Canada, more and more people, especially young individuals, are using vaping products, and more information is needed about the potential risks to our health. This research study will assess the real-world pulmonary (lung) outcomes of vaping to help Canadians make informed decisions about their health.

 

We believe that the tools we currently have to detect lung disease in people who vape may be insufficient and propose the latest research methods to find lung injuries that may impact them over the course of their lives. These include exercise testing, advanced imaging techniques, and breathing tests that will demonstrate how vaping may harm their lungs. We will use these in both adolescent and adult Canadians across six cities to give Canadians who vape important information on the consequences of vaping. Our team includes doctors, nurses, scientists, graduate students, Indigenous representatives, Canadians who vape, youth advocates, and public health workers so that diverse perspectives can be considered at all stages of our study.

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The purpose of this study is to find out how using vaping products affects the lungs of Canadian adolescents and adults. The study will look at different aspects of lung health, including breathing tests, imaging, and exercise, as well as how often people experience respiratory problems and miss work or school. The study will also examine how vaping affects certain cells in the lungs. Ultimately, this research aims to help people make informed decisions about using vaping products and promote lung health in Canada.