Ottawa, ON – Today’s announcement of new regulatory measures for vaping products signals a positive step in the long journey ahead to reduce vaping rates among youth. In the absence of comprehensive regulations, vaping rates among youth have doubled in the past year.
The proposed changes would ban promotion of vaping products anywhere where children and youth (under the age of 18) are present while including health warnings on vaping products.
“We are pleased to see the new regulations on the promotion of vaping products in this country. We are equally pleased that the Minister has moved so quickly on this issue since taking on this portfolio” says Terry Dean, president and CEO of Canadian Lung Association.
The addition of required health warnings is also welcome and is a first step towards dispelling the misinformation that vaping is without harm.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Health Canada and the Honourable Patty Hajdu in implementing comprehensive action on vaping, as outlined in her mandate letter.”
These regulations are crucial to protecting our youth from the harms of vaping. However, further steps must be taken to effectively protect Canadian youth from the harms of vaping.
Chief among these is a comprehensive ban on flavoured products. There are currently more than 7,000 flavours available, including many that target youth.
“We know that flavours are a huge driving factor behind luring youth to vaping. It is imperative that inviting flavours are banned.”
In addition, it is crucial that Canada follows EU’s model in setting maximum nicotine levels in e-juices. Nicotine is an addictive substance that has the potential to introduce users to cigarettes and a life-long addiction. Without set limits of nicotine, youth and other users have no comprehension of the levels inhaled.
“Vaping is an issue must be addressed from all angles. We are pleased with the government’s recognition of its severity and we look forward to continuing to work with the government as the new regulations are implemented and further steps are planned.”
For information on vaping visit www.lung.ca/vaping.
