Vaping is not harmless. The health effects are still being studied as these products are still relatively new and more research is needed. Some research has shown that vaping has negative short-term health effects and that vape products contain many harmful chemicals. The long-term impacts of vaping are currently not known.
Youth vaping risks
Vaping can lead to nicotine dependence in youth. Nicotine is the addictive ingredient found in tobacco. It can change the teenage brain and affect memory and concentration. Some vape products can have more nicotine in a single pod as an entire pack of cigarettes. E-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine still have many harmful chemicals. Vaping may also have the potential to re-normalize smoking and can lead to youth starting to smoke.
It is important to talk to your children about vaping. For more information about vaping and talking to youth about vaping visit:
Vaping laws
Southwestern Public Health enforces the Smoke Free Ontario Act, including provisions related to e-cigarettes.
Quitting smoking with vaping
Research is unclear about whether vapour products are effective as a quit smoking tool to help people break their addiction to nicotine. Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) currently does not recommend using vape products to quit smoking. Contact us for more information or help quitting smoking or vaping.