Vaping

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are battery-powered devices that vaporize a propylene glycol or glycerol based chemical mixture (e-juice), possibly containing nicotine. Devices and e-juices are currently not standardized and are lacking in regulations.

Health Canada has declared that completely replacing tobacco cigarette smoking with a vaping product will reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. However, if you are not a smoker, vaping can increase your exposure to some harmful substances that could negatively affect your health.

Still curious about e-cigarettes? Consider the following:

E-cigarettes are not harmless.

E-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, however less harmful doesn’t mean safe or harmless.

E-cigarettes produce a vapour which is then condensed into an aerosol before being inhaled by the user. The aerosol is a mixture of chemicals and small particles that can hurt the lungs, similar to cigarette smoke. Propylene glycol is generally safe for oral consumption, but the long-term health impact of inhaling it into the lungs remains unknown.

E-cigarettes can be addictive.

Vaping may expose you to nicotine which is highly addictive. Individuals who start using e-cigarettes are 3 times more likely to start using tobacco cigarettes to reach the desired fix.

There are safety concerns regarding e-cigarette devices and liquids.

E-cigarette devices can explode (it’s rare, but it has happened). Harmful health effects can also occur if e-juices are swallowed or have contact with eyes or skin.

Unfortunately, currently there is very little oversight regarding these products. Please be aware that harmful chemicals could potentially be in e-juices.

For more information:

To Vape or Not to Vape (video)