E-Cigarettes
BCAHL has made youth vaping one of three top priorities because of the health risks that vaping poses to a whole generation of young people. The Alliance is deeply concerned about youth and non-smokers who are trying and using electronic nicotine delivery systems, not only because of evidence that shows increases in the likelihood that they will transition to conventional cigarettes, but also because of inherent health risks associated with using vapour products.
BCAHL recognizes that currently there is some consensus in the health sector that vapour products are less harmful than conventional cigarettes and that emerging literature show they hold some promise as a cessation tool for the 15.8% of Canadians who currently smoke. [i, ii] As such, regulatory measures need to ensure that current smokers are able to access vaping products as part of an overall harm reduction approach. However, the primary objective of any and all regulatory measures should be the protection of population health with a long-term perspective.
BCAHL recommends the following:
- Enforce regulations that restrict the sales of vapour products to youth and strengthen restrictions of online sales to youth.
- Work with federal government to apply plain packaging and health warnings to vapour products.
- Provide ongoing funding to support cessation of vapour products with a focus on youth and other high-risk populations.
