What is Vaping?

Vaping is the inhalation of an aerosol produced by a vaping device. This aerosol is created by heating the liquid solution (commonly called e-liquid) contained in a vaping device, which usually has nicotine with or without flavourings. The substance you breathe in while vaping has been found to contain toxins and cancer-causing agents much like tobacco products. Vaping devices are commonly called e-cigarettes, mods, vapes, pens, e-hookahs, and sub-ohms.

Most vaping devices have a battery, a mouthpiece, a heating element, and a reservoir where e-liquid is stored.¹ The e-liquids found in vaping products usually contain nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavouring chemicals.  When heated, e-liquid chemicals can generate other chemical by-products that are harmful.

Health Canada Recommends the Following for Canadians Considering the Use of Vaping Products:

• Learn the facts: Vaping has significant health risks, and it is important to understand the potential short and long-term health outcomes before vaping.² There is accumulating evidence that e-cigarettes can cause serious lung disease.
• People who do not smoke, pregnant women and people who have quit smoking should not vape.
• Young people should be educated to understand their increased risk of nicotine addiction compared with the general population and should be strongly encouraged not to vape.

If You Are Vaping:

• Monitor for symptoms affecting your lung health and let your healthcare provider know you vape. 
• Although some people who smoke successfully use vaping to quit smoking, it is not a Health Canada-approved quit method. Talk to a health professional about clinically proven options for quitting.
• Are you looking for quit support? Join our Saskatchewan Quits Facebook Support Group.

References:

1. Health Canada. (2022). About Vaping. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping…
2. Health Canada. (2022). Talking with your teen about vaping. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/ta…