Statement from the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health on Nicotine Vaping in Canada as part of National Non-Smoking Week
January 20, 2025
Ottawa, ON
The Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health (CMOH) in Canada acknowledges that the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly referred to as vapes, has become prevalent among youth and young adults. As part of National Non-Smoking Week, the CMOH is issuing a statement to address concerns and provide guidance on nicotine vaping in Canada.
Key Findings:
- High Prevalence among Youth: Vaping has become the most common form of tobacco use among Canadian youth, with approximately one in four youth aged 16-19 reporting current use.
- Harm to Developing Brains: Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can have detrimental effects on the developing brains of youth. Exposure to nicotine during adolescence can lead to cognitive impairments, learning disabilities, and increased risk of addiction to other substances.
- Gateway Effect: Recent studies suggest that nicotine vaping may act as a gateway to smoking cigarettes, particularly among youth who have never smoked before.
- Harm to Health: While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking cigarettes, it is not a harmless activity. Vaping can cause respiratory irritation, inflammation, and lung damage, especially in heavy users.
- Lack of Long-Term Data: There is a lack of long-term data on the health effects of vaping. Research is ongoing to fully understand the potential health consequences of long-term use.
Recommendations:
Based on the available evidence, the CMOH recommends the following actions to address nicotine vaping in Canada:
- Educate Youth and Parents: Public health campaigns and educational programs should focus on informing youth and their parents about the risks associated with nicotine vaping.
- Restrict Youth Access: Strict measures should be implemented to prevent the sale and distribution of vape products to minors.
- Regulate Vaping Products: The government should regulate the manufacture, sale, and marketing of vape products to ensure quality and safety standards are met.
- Provide Resources for Quitting: Comprehensive smoking and vaping cessation programs should be available to support individuals who wish to quit nicotine use.
- Promote Smoke-Free Environments: Designated smoke-free spaces should be expanded to include electronic smoking devices.
Conclusion:
The CMOH emphasizes that nicotine vaping poses a significant public health concern, particularly among youth. To protect the health of young Canadians, it is crucial to take immediate action to reduce exposure and prevent further initiation of nicotine vaping. By implementing evidence-based prevention and cessation strategies, we can contribute to a healthier future for our nation.
For more information, please visit the following resources:
- Health Canada: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
- Canadian Public Health Association: www.cpha.ca/
- Canadian Cancer Society: www.cancer.ca/
Statement from the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health on Nicotine Vaping in Canada as part of National Non-Smoking Week
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