VAPING INFORMATION

Not ready or don't want to quit smoking?

Well, let's talk about vaping then.

A vape is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid called e-juice or e-liquid. Once the liquid is heated, it produces a vapor inhaled from the devices often referred to as e-cigarettes, vapes, mods, tank systems, or e-hookahs. It is approved for use in nicotine replacement therapies, such as the patch or nicotine gum.

Vaping can increase your exposure to chemicals that could harm your health (e.g. cause lung damage). Vaping could also expose you to nicotine, which is addictive. If you are dealing with nicotine addiction, speak to your health care provider about harm reduction strategies such as vaping or other nicotine replacement therapies.

There are also concerns about the appeal of vaping products among youth and their potential to promote tobacco use. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping/risks.html 

Health risks of vaping with nicotine

Nicotine is not known to cause cancer. It is approved for use in nicotine replacement therapies, such as the patch or nicotine gum. However, there are risks linked to nicotine.

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Vaping with nicotine could:

• Lead to nicotine dependence
• Cause nicotine addiction among users who would not have started using nicotine otherwise (e.g. smoking)
• Children and youth are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of nicotine, including addiction. They may become dependent on nicotine with lower levels of exposure than adults.

Nicotine:

• Can affect memory and concentration
• Is known to alter teen brain development
• Exposure to nicotine during adolescence may cause, reduced impulse control and/or cognitive and behavioral problems
• Vaping may predispose youth to addiction to nicotine and possibly other drugs.

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping/risks.html

I don't smoke. Is it ok for me to start vaping?

The Lung Association Manitoba Inc. and Health Canada DO NOT recommend vaping if you're a non-smoker. Vaping can increase your exposure to harmful substances that could negatively affect your health. 

We do know for sure that vape liquid or e-juice often contains nicotine. Although nicotine is not known to cause cancer, it is highly addictive and can alter brain development in youth and adolescents. Nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes and is known to be one of the most addictive substances in the world.

What about second-hand vape clouds? Are they as bad as second-hand smoke?

If you vape, it is still important to respect other people's right to breathe clean air, and in many provinces, you aren't permitted to vape in places where smoking is prohibited.

What about vape safety? Are there any precautions I need to know about?

*It is crucial to keep all vaping liquid or e-juice out of the reach of children and pets like you would with any dangerous medication. Some liquids contain enough nicotine to harm a child or pet seriously, and nicotine can be absorbed through the skin, by mouth, or by inhaling it.*

• If you suspect a child or pet has been exposed to e-liquid or e-juice,

           please contact the Manitoba Poison Centre at 1-855-776-4766 or 1-855-7POISON

• Visit your nearest emergency department or contact 911 if you feel it is a life-threatening emergency.

Vape devices and batteries should be stored and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, charging devices with internal batteries using a rapid phone charger can compromise. In addition, storing batteries improperly or using damaged batteries can cause injuries.

Never operate any vaping device if you are not familiar with its safety instructions.   

(https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/toy-safety/battery-safety.html)

Questions? 

Call us at 204-774-5501 or send us an email.