Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the aerosol (often called vapour) produced by an e-cigarette or similar battery-powered device.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered vapourizers that simulate the action and sensation of smoking. They often look like pens or long cigarettes.

They are also known as e-cigs, vape pens, e-hookahs, e-pipes, tanks, mods, vapes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and more. Some people refer to vaping devices by their brand name, like JUUL, BO, or Blu.

E-cigarettes come in many different sizes, types and colours. Some e-cigarettes are made to look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some resemble pens, small electronic devices such as USB sticks, and other everyday items. The products that are designed to resemble small electronic devices are often compact and allow for discreet carrying and use – at home, in school hallways and bathrooms, and even in classrooms. Learn More

E-cigarettes contain pre-filled pods or e-liquids/e-juices the user adds to the device. E-liquids generally consist of propylene glycol, glycerin, water, nicotine, and flavourings. Many of these pods and e-liquids come in fruit and candy flavours that appeal to youth.

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol, commonly called vapour, which users inhale from the device and exhale. The aerosol can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:

1. Nicotine
2. Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
3. Flavouring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease
4. Volatile organic compounds
5. Heavy metals such as nickel, tin, and lead

Most e-cigarettes contain and deliver nicotine through pre-filled pods or e-liquids the user adds to the device. While they do not contain the tobacco leaf, the nicotine in these products is derived from tobacco.

According to Health Canada, it is not safe for youth to use any nicotine products, including cigarettes and vaping products. For non-smokers, vaping can increase exposure to some harmful substances that could negatively affect health. For people who smoke, vaping is less harmful than smoking. Completely replacing cigarette smoking with a vaping product will reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. All vaping products that wish to make a health claim are regulated under Health Canada’s Food and Drugs Act (FDA). To date, no electronic cigarettes have been granted FDA approval. There is more to learn about how vaping affects health. While the long-term impacts of vaping are unknown, there is enough evidence to justify efforts to prevent the use of vaping products by youth and non-smokers.

Nicotine and Addiction
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. According to the Surgeon General, because the brain isn’t fully developed until the mid-20s, youth and young adults are uniquely at risk for long-term, long-lasting effects of exposing their developing brains to nicotine.

Yes. E-cigarettes and other vaping devices can be used to vape other substances, such as marijuana. Open systems require the user to add the e-juice, which can be a substance other than nicotine. Closed systems (those that use pre-filled pods) can also be altered to vape substances other than nicotine.

E-cigarettes are sold in many places including convenience stores, corner stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online. Stores should ask for identification (ID) of anyone who appears to be under 25 and refuse a sale to anyone who does not present ID or who is under the legal sales age. Online retailers are required to ask for age verification.

Many types of e-cigarettes are made to resemble everyday items and can easily fit in a pocket or the palm of a hand. In addition, they come in fruit and candy-like flavours. For these reasons, it may be hard to tell if your child is vaping – you may not recognize a vaping device or an e-liquid scent. Here are subtle signs your child might be vaping:

Unexplained Sweet Scent – If you notice a sweet scent that is unexplainable, it might be a flavoured e-juice for a vaping device.

Unfamiliar Products – If you come across unusual looking items such as unusual pens or USB drives or an unfamiliar battery or battery charging device, they could be associated with vaping.

The best way to know is to educate yourself about the products and to talk with your kids.